FOOTNOTES

Passes, Position of the, fighting for,71et seq.;withdrawal of Russians from,75Pavlovski, Major, 5th Regt.,6,21Petrov, Lieutenant-Colonel of Artillery,99,101(mortally wounded),107Pilshchikov, Seaman,259Pi-tzu-wo,3,10,16;landing of Japanese at,22Platonov, Sergeant-Major, 5th Regt.,274Podgourski, Naval Lieutenant,181,183,184,186,191,192,246Pogdanovitch, 2nd Lieutenant, 5th Regt.,183(killed)Pokrovski, Lieutenant-Colonel,284Popov, Lieutenant, 5th Regt.,71Port Arthur, fall of first shell in,92;shortness of means of transport,148;surrender,298et seq.Preegorovski, Captain,5,66Protasevitch, 2nd Lieutenant, 28th Regt.,176Ptooski, Bombardier,44Radetski, Lieutenant-Colonel, 5th Regt., killed at Nan Shan,46Rashevski, Lieutenant-Colonel,224,287Ravinski, Peter,149(wounded),257Reconnaissances in force, Russian,22,28Reinbott, Lieutenant of Engineers,244Reishetov, Acting Ensign, 5th Regt.,248(wounded)Reiss, Colonel,220,221Reserves, proper use of,60Responsibility, divided,61Rifles, clamping down of, for night firing,208Rofalovski, Lieutenant, 5th Regt.,280Romanovski, Lieutenant-Colonel of Artillery,25,29,30,31,35(wounded),36,86,97,99,190Romanovski, Major,295Roosoi, Lieutenant, 14th Regt.,46,56Rotaiski, Captain, 13th Regt.,47,50,52,56,57,99,110Sadykov, Second-Lieutenant, 5th Regt., commanding bullock battery,31,52Saifoolin, Lieutenant-Colonel,34,43,281(wounded),283,302Saliarski, Major, 5th Regt.,54Saltovski, Captain, 5th Regt.,168(killed)Sappers, excellent work of,241Saratski, Major, 5th Regt.,85Schiller, Major,138Schwartz, Major of Engineers,7Shakovskoi, Second-Lieutenant, 5th Regt.,262Shchenakin, Acting Ensign, 5th Regt., bravery of,132Shcherbachev, Naval Lieutenant,136Shimanski, Midshipman,43Shishkin, Acting Ensign,80,81,182(killed)Shui-shih-ying, village of, Japanese field artillery massed at,259,264,266,268,279Sichev, Captain, 5th Regt.,37(superseded),101(wounded),188,191Siedelnitski, Lieutenant, 5th Regt.,94,136Sietchko, Lieutenant, 5th Regt.,18Singing on the march, Russian practice of,27Siromiatnikov, Lieutenant, 5th Regt.,238Sirotko, Captain, Frontier Guard170,172,173,174,273,275,276,277;account of fighting on 203 Metre Hill,282et seq.;wounded,284Slounin, Father Vasili,158(wounded),200(wounded),235Smirnov, General,passimSoimonov, Midshipman,253,254,255,256Sokkatski, Major, 28th Regt.,136Sokolov, Major, 5th Regt.,38,42;heroic conduct at Nan Shan,55Soldiers, Russian, form of address of, by officers,258and noteSoloveiev, Major,239Solovev Hill, abandonment of, by Russians,290Star-rockets, use of,95,96,98,106,118,126,188Stempnevski (jun.), Major, 5th Regt.,18,71Stempnevski (sen.), Major, 5th Regt.,43,71,163,176,178,186,187,188,192,245,248(wounded)Stessel, General,passimStoliarov, Rifleman, distinguished conduct of,213Stone-throwing between combatants,140Strength, importance of husbanding,145Sung-shu, Fort, bombardment of,232;blown up,296Suvorov, Captain, 14th Regt.,34Ta-an-tzu Shan, condition of Fort,154Ta-fang-shen, demolition of railway station of,54Ta-ku Shan, capture of, by Japanese,92Ta-scha River, reported Japanese landing at mouth of,21Ta-yang-ku North, condition of Fort,155,160Terminal Point,11;Japanese squadron reported near,21Teemoshenko, Captain,50,5113th Regiment,17,42,43,46,50,55,57,63,82,87,88,99,111,115,121,136,169,174,187,232Tiddeman, Russian Consul at Chi-fu,229Tordan, Medical Dept.,130,132Trajectory, flat, false application of a principle,87,88Transport service in Port Arthur, deficiencies in,148Tretyakov, Colonel (the author),248(wounded),279(severely wounded);passimTroitski, Theodore, Medical Dept.,152,257Trufanov, Rifleman, gallant conduct of,192Trusov, Corporal, 5th Regt., bravery of,108Tsvietkov, Lieutenant,11528th Regiment,115,119,120,122,134,136,137,167,171,172,173,176,181,183,187,188,200,23225th Regiment,21827th Regiment,77,78,79,82,136,140,172,176,177,181,182,198,206,217,235,273,274,275,28426th Regiment,82,85203 Metre Hill, description of works on,134,174;first assault on,174et seq.;garrison and armament,176;Japanese losses,177,193;Russian losses181;strengthening of position,195et seq.;second assault,238et seq.Japanese losses,266;Russian losses,271,272,285;account of final struggle,282et seq.Ushakov, Captain, 14th Regt.,47,50,51Vagin, Corporal, 5th Regt., fine work of,106Vanikovski, Lieutenant, 14th Regt.,217Vaseeliev, Lieutenant, 5th Regt.,11,128;Captain,249,250,251(severely wounded)Vershinin, Colonel, Commandant of Kuan-tung District,289Versi, Captain, Naval Construction Dept.,161Veselevski, Major, 5th Regt.,262Veselovski, Major, 25th Regt.,218,280(killed),281Visoki, Major,47Vlassev, Midshipman,213,214,260Yarsevitch, Captain, 14th Regt.,74,187,189Yasinski, Lieutenant of Artillery,190Yermakov, Ensign of Engineers,196,203,216,234,237,244,245,246Yermeiev, Lieutenant-Colonel, 5th Regt.,41Yermolov, Acting Ensign of Engineers,265Yi-tzu Shan, Fort, condition of,154Yu-pi-la-tzu Hill, struggle for,72et seq.Zakrejevski, Acting Ensign, 5th Regt.,106(wounded)Zedginidzi, Major,287Zimmermann, Major, gallantry of,137(wounded)Zmoushko, Sergeant, 5th Regt., alertness of,107Zoobov, Colonel, 4th Reserve Battalion,102,104

Passes, Position of the, fighting for,71et seq.;withdrawal of Russians from,75

Pavlovski, Major, 5th Regt.,6,21

Petrov, Lieutenant-Colonel of Artillery,99,101(mortally wounded),107

Pilshchikov, Seaman,259

Pi-tzu-wo,3,10,16;landing of Japanese at,22

Platonov, Sergeant-Major, 5th Regt.,274

Podgourski, Naval Lieutenant,181,183,184,186,191,192,246

Pogdanovitch, 2nd Lieutenant, 5th Regt.,183(killed)

Pokrovski, Lieutenant-Colonel,284

Popov, Lieutenant, 5th Regt.,71

Port Arthur, fall of first shell in,92;shortness of means of transport,148;surrender,298et seq.

Preegorovski, Captain,5,66

Protasevitch, 2nd Lieutenant, 28th Regt.,176

Ptooski, Bombardier,44

Radetski, Lieutenant-Colonel, 5th Regt., killed at Nan Shan,46

Rashevski, Lieutenant-Colonel,224,287

Ravinski, Peter,149(wounded),257

Reconnaissances in force, Russian,22,28

Reinbott, Lieutenant of Engineers,244

Reishetov, Acting Ensign, 5th Regt.,248(wounded)

Reiss, Colonel,220,221

Reserves, proper use of,60

Responsibility, divided,61

Rifles, clamping down of, for night firing,208

Rofalovski, Lieutenant, 5th Regt.,280

Romanovski, Lieutenant-Colonel of Artillery,25,29,30,31,35(wounded),36,86,97,99,190

Romanovski, Major,295

Roosoi, Lieutenant, 14th Regt.,46,56

Rotaiski, Captain, 13th Regt.,47,50,52,56,57,99,110

Sadykov, Second-Lieutenant, 5th Regt., commanding bullock battery,31,52

Saifoolin, Lieutenant-Colonel,34,43,281(wounded),283,302

Saliarski, Major, 5th Regt.,54

Saltovski, Captain, 5th Regt.,168(killed)

Sappers, excellent work of,241

Saratski, Major, 5th Regt.,85

Schiller, Major,138

Schwartz, Major of Engineers,7

Shakovskoi, Second-Lieutenant, 5th Regt.,262

Shchenakin, Acting Ensign, 5th Regt., bravery of,132

Shcherbachev, Naval Lieutenant,136

Shimanski, Midshipman,43

Shishkin, Acting Ensign,80,81,182(killed)

Shui-shih-ying, village of, Japanese field artillery massed at,259,264,266,268,279

Sichev, Captain, 5th Regt.,37(superseded),101(wounded),188,191

Siedelnitski, Lieutenant, 5th Regt.,94,136

Sietchko, Lieutenant, 5th Regt.,18

Singing on the march, Russian practice of,27

Siromiatnikov, Lieutenant, 5th Regt.,238

Sirotko, Captain, Frontier Guard170,172,173,174,273,275,276,277;account of fighting on 203 Metre Hill,282et seq.;wounded,284

Slounin, Father Vasili,158(wounded),200(wounded),235

Smirnov, General,passim

Soimonov, Midshipman,253,254,255,256

Sokkatski, Major, 28th Regt.,136

Sokolov, Major, 5th Regt.,38,42;heroic conduct at Nan Shan,55

Soldiers, Russian, form of address of, by officers,258and note

Soloveiev, Major,239

Solovev Hill, abandonment of, by Russians,290

Star-rockets, use of,95,96,98,106,118,126,188

Stempnevski (jun.), Major, 5th Regt.,18,71

Stempnevski (sen.), Major, 5th Regt.,43,71,163,176,178,186,187,188,192,245,248(wounded)

Stessel, General,passim

Stoliarov, Rifleman, distinguished conduct of,213

Stone-throwing between combatants,140

Strength, importance of husbanding,145

Sung-shu, Fort, bombardment of,232;blown up,296

Suvorov, Captain, 14th Regt.,34

Ta-an-tzu Shan, condition of Fort,154

Ta-fang-shen, demolition of railway station of,54

Ta-ku Shan, capture of, by Japanese,92

Ta-scha River, reported Japanese landing at mouth of,21

Ta-yang-ku North, condition of Fort,155,160

Terminal Point,11;Japanese squadron reported near,21

Teemoshenko, Captain,50,51

13th Regiment,17,42,43,46,50,55,57,63,82,87,88,99,111,115,121,136,169,174,187,232

Tiddeman, Russian Consul at Chi-fu,229

Tordan, Medical Dept.,130,132

Trajectory, flat, false application of a principle,87,88

Transport service in Port Arthur, deficiencies in,148

Tretyakov, Colonel (the author),248(wounded),279(severely wounded);passim

Troitski, Theodore, Medical Dept.,152,257

Trufanov, Rifleman, gallant conduct of,192

Trusov, Corporal, 5th Regt., bravery of,108

Tsvietkov, Lieutenant,115

28th Regiment,115,119,120,122,134,136,137,167,171,172,173,176,181,183,187,188,200,232

25th Regiment,218

27th Regiment,77,78,79,82,136,140,172,176,177,181,182,198,206,217,235,273,274,275,284

26th Regiment,82,85

203 Metre Hill, description of works on,134,174;first assault on,174et seq.;garrison and armament,176;Japanese losses,177,193;Russian losses181;strengthening of position,195et seq.;second assault,238et seq.Japanese losses,266;Russian losses,271,272,285;account of final struggle,282et seq.

Ushakov, Captain, 14th Regt.,47,50,51

Vagin, Corporal, 5th Regt., fine work of,106

Vanikovski, Lieutenant, 14th Regt.,217

Vaseeliev, Lieutenant, 5th Regt.,11,128;Captain,249,250,251(severely wounded)

Vershinin, Colonel, Commandant of Kuan-tung District,289

Versi, Captain, Naval Construction Dept.,161

Veselevski, Major, 5th Regt.,262

Veselovski, Major, 25th Regt.,218,280(killed),281

Visoki, Major,47

Vlassev, Midshipman,213,214,260

Yarsevitch, Captain, 14th Regt.,74,187,189

Yasinski, Lieutenant of Artillery,190

Yermakov, Ensign of Engineers,196,203,216,234,237,244,245,246

Yermeiev, Lieutenant-Colonel, 5th Regt.,41

Yermolov, Acting Ensign of Engineers,265

Yi-tzu Shan, Fort, condition of,154

Yu-pi-la-tzu Hill, struggle for,72et seq.

Zakrejevski, Acting Ensign, 5th Regt.,106(wounded)

Zedginidzi, Major,287

Zimmermann, Major, gallantry of,137(wounded)

Zmoushko, Sergeant, 5th Regt., alertness of,107

Zoobov, Colonel, 4th Reserve Battalion,102,104

FOOTNOTES[1]Somewhat less than £8 at the rate of exchange of 9·5 roubles to the pound sterling.[2]The term “scout detachment” is used in all official accounts, and will be used throughout this work, to denote a detachment, either mounted or on foot, composed of volunteers (“okhotnik”) and attached to various regiments. All Russian volunteers were thus organized.[3]Accounts received on the Nan Shan position were probably greatly exaggerated, as something of the nature of a panic ensued upon the first Japanese torpedo attack (see Official History, Part III., pp. 10et seq.). Two battleships and one cruiser were injured in this attack.[4]This company formed part of the Legation Guard at Pekin.[5]An “Acting Ensign” is a senior non-commissioned officer who has done his service with the colours, and ranks next to an Ensign in the Reserve, and, like him, wears officer’s uniform.[6]Though the rank of Major does not exist in the Russian Army, it is used in this translation to denote the Captain Commanding a Battery, Company, or Squadron, in contradistinction to Captain, which term must be understood as applying to a Russian Staff Captain, a rank corresponding to the rank of Second-Captain formerly existing in the British Royal Artillery.[7]Sixty versts is roughly forty miles, one verst being equal to 1,166 yards.[8]This refers to the Boxer rising (see Official History, Part II., p. 16).[9]This seems to be underestimated, as the Official History gives 4,400 yards as the breadth of the position. The author evidently means that at low water thewholebreadth of the peninsula was 8 versts, which agrees with other accounts.[10]On the Pi-tzu-wo road, but not shown on map.[11]Official accounts state that as many as 5,000 Chinese coolies were employed.[12]As a fact the armour of the Japanese ships built in England was as good as any of its date, all of it being hardened in accordance with modern processes.[13]General Tretyakov was evidently still under the impression that three Russian battleships had beenblown up. The Russians had in reality four first-class battleships still unharmed—Petropavlovsk,Pobieda,Poltava, andPeresviet.[14]The 13th, 14th, and 15th Regiments were actually posted in rear of the 5th during the battle, but did little to support it.[15]SeeNote 3at end of book.[16]See Official History, Part II., p. 11. This news must have come from some of Colonel Rantsov’s cossacks.[17]It seems unlikely that any of these marauding bands were assisting the Japanese. It must be remembered that the Russians had no good word for the Japanese at this time.[18]The Russian soldiers invariably sing on the march, when the band is not playing.[19]Battery No. 13 is situated in rear of the centre of the Nan Shan position.[20]In our Official History (Part II.) this action is briefly described as an engagement with General Nadyein’s rearguard, but it is evident that two separate reconnaissances were made on May 8 and 16 respectively, and that no rearguard was left as indicated in that report.[21]In Part II. of the Official History (p. 43, par. 2) the estimated losses were 150 officers and men killed and wounded. For the Russian estimate, see following page.[22]The Official History gives General Nadyein as the commander during the battle, but General Fock himself conducted the action, General Nadyein being in command of the left flank.[23]The attack on Chin-chou here mentioned as taking place on May 22 is not given in any of the official accounts, the first mentioned being that of May 25, which isalsodescribed here. These two may, however, be one and the same, owing to confusion of dates.[24]See Official History (Part II., p. 20).[25]SeeMap I.[26]A footnote in the Official History states that half the 10th Company was cut off by the Japanese, but evidently this was not so.[27]SeeNote No. 4at end of book.[28]Usual form of address to the dead.[29]It is not stated what happened to the other company of the 13th Regiment, which was in reserve. A reference to the Official History will show that only one company out of these two is mentioned there also.[30]At this stage the Japanese were clothed in khaki.[31]General Tretyakov appears to have been under the impression that the Japanese were giving no quarter.[32]SeeMaps II.andVI.[33]1 pood = 38 lb.[34]The inhabitants of Dalny received the news of the battle of Nan Shan on the evening of the 26th, and were ordered to proceed to Port Arthur at eleven that night (see Official History, Part III., p. 12).[35]That between Triple Peak and An-tzu Ling (seeMap VI.).[36]Better known as Orphan Hill; shown on British official maps as Kan-ta Shan, that being its Chinese name.[37]Called by the Russians the Green Hills.[38]Known by the Russians as the Wolf Hills.[39]The Russian name is Bokovi (Side) Hill.[40]Near Lieh-shu-fang.[41]As its name implies, the station 11 versts from Port Arthur.[42]Our Official History states that only three companies of the 5th Regiment were allotted to this section, but adds later that the 5th and 6th Companies were brought up and absorbed in the fighting line. They are here given as being in reserve.[43]A village 1½ miles north-east of Hou-chia-tun.[44]Ta-po Shan had actually been captured by the Japanese the previous evening about ten o’clock, two counter-attacks afterwards failing.[45]Not to be confused with a hill of the same name on the Western Front of the Port Arthur defences.[46]Probably a hill between Vodymin and Hou-chia-tun.[47]A village midway between Vodymin and 11th Verst station.[48]Seefootnote, page 232.[49]Millet.[50]“The flatter the trajectory, the better.”[51]These two forts were on theEastern Front. The author probably refers to these here as being the only two points inadvanceof the main defensive line now left in Russian hands.[52]A forceful example of the consequences of a badly worded order.[53]Situated at the extreme left flank of the “Position of the Passes.”[54]This plea of utter prostration from constant fighting seems to be a poor excuse for the capture of the forts by the Japanese. The resistance was, in reality,moststubborn.[55]It may be noticed that General Tretyakov makes no mention of the disastrous sortie made by the Russian fleet on August 10.[56]The Russian name for a knoll at the northern end of Headquarter Hill. Subsequent reference will be by the name of Advanced Hill.[57]General Tretyakov’s immediate superior.[58]Our Official History (Part III.) states that Headquarter Hill was captured on the 13th, and Height 426 (Bokovy) on the 15th. From this account it is evident that the former also was not occupied until the 15th.[59]The Russian name for Headquarter Hill.[60]The Russian name for Height 426.[61]Commander of the Fortress Artillery.[62]Our Official History states that “mist and rain prevented an effectual bombardment on this day,” and no real assault took place. The bombardment of 174 Metre Hill on the 15th was evidently only done to cover the attack on Height 426 (described in the last chapter), as no serious attack was made on 174 Metre Hill till the 19th.[63]This company was on Connecting Ridge and had been sent to reinforce the 5th and 9th Companies on 174 Metre Hill.[64]Meaning “Extinct Volcano”; situated about midway between 174 Metre and Division Hills.[65]A blindage is a covered trench with a roofing at least sufficiently strong to afford protection against rifle and shrapnel bullets.[66]Sent up from Namako Yama to reinforce 174 Metre Hill.[67]Officials in Government employ in Russia have civil “rank” just as officers in the army have military rank. Hence the term “general” here.[68]Consisting of 101 men.[69]These shells must have come either from Golden Hill Battery or No. 7 Battery on the Tiger Peninsula, each of which had 11-inchhowitzers. (SeeMap III.)[70]The average Russian soldier of the infantry of the line, with his loose jacket, loose breeches, battered peaked cap, and invariable slouch, does not look what we call smart, and this is what General Tretyakov is probably referring to.[71]Meaning Red Hill; situated right in the rear of 203 Metre Hill.[72]Compare with Official History, Part III., p. 31.[73]Meaning False Hill (south-east of and closely adjoining 203 Metre Hill).[74]This refers to the north-eastern section of the defence. The Japanese captured the East and West Pan-lung Redoubts, but obtained no other advantage for a total loss of 15,000 men. Hence the “successfully defended.” (SeeMap III.)[75]Rear part of work.[76]A sagene is about 7 feet.[77]Chiefly directed against the East and West Pan-lung Redoubts. (SeeMap III.)[78]These guns were taken from the ships of the fleet, and were manned by naval gunners.[79]Seep. 136.[80]Namako Yama was defended by two tiers of trenches, an upper and a lower, and this was part of the lower line that had been captured (seep. 174, where the upper tier is mentioned).[81]Probably the author means that to effect anything an assault would be necessary, as the defenders, safely ensconced in their now well-constructed trenches, had nothing to fear from a mere bombardment.[82]In future references the term “Saddle Hill” will be used. This position is the saddle joining the southern extremity of 203 Metre Hill to Connecting Ridge.[83]No mention of anyattackis made on this date (19th) in our Official History; this was probably a preliminary movement to the main assault fixed for the next day.[84]The numbers here given again differ widely from those given in our Official History. Here 500 is about the total, and the Official History gives 1,500 (Official History, Part III., p. 61)—a considerable difference. Note the numbers onp. 181. Assuming that companies were at this time about 140 strong only, the total of these five comes to 714 (700 + 2 + 6 + 6), which, with gunners, gives a total of 764.[85]All this preliminary fighting is not described in our Official History, but the lodgment effected by the Japanese on the 20th in the Russian bomb-proof is mentioned.[86]Seep. 180.[87]He had apparently failed to keep his previous promise (see par. 2,p. 181).[88]Staff Officer to Colonel Irman.[89]Orderly Officer to Colonel Tretyakov.[90]This refers to the Japanese attacks and capture of the Waterworks and Temple Redoubts. (SeeMap III.)[91]Official History affirms that this was done with 15-lb. charges, but according to our narrative the heavier charges failed.[92]The Japanese casualties amounted to about 2,500.[93]The author is referring to men of his own regiment, two companies of which comprised part of the garrison of 203 Metre Hill.[94]The north-eastern section. This refers to the preliminary movements of the Japanese against Forts Erh-lung and Sung-shu. (SeeMap III.)[95]Tea-urns.[96]The “trace” or “outline” of a work is its general shape in plan.[97]The usual rate of advance of a sap is from 2 to 4 feet per hour, depending on the nature of the soil and the amount of excavation necessary. The latter must, of course, depend on due cover for the party being provided. The Official History states that breastworks, or, more correctly speaking, “parapets” had to be built up, 5 feet high and 4 feet thick, with sand-bags, as ordinary digging was impossible in the rocky formation of 203 Metre Hill. This accounts for the slow rate of progress. Though it is not clear from the narrative, the type of sap was probably that known as “double.”[98]It will be remembered that regular rifle clamps were used during the South African War for firing at night.[99]The linia is a Russian unit of measurement, and equals 1/10 inch; hence the calibre of the gun was 4·2 inches.[100]General Fock wrote a number of “Notes” during the siege, which were published from time to time and distributed throughout the garrison. As many of them contained severe criticisms of commanders of regiments (which were read by junior officers), General Fock was charged at the court-martial, held in St. Petersburg, in 1908, with conduct to the prejudice of military discipline, and General Stessel was also blamed for allowing them to be published. Compare Official History, Part III., p. 144 (3).[101]SeeMap V.[102]This refers to the repulse of the Japanese second general assault (October 26–31).[103]The last direct attack on this fort had been repulsed on October 31, since when mining operations had continued.[104]Commanding the Engineers.[105]Only 40 yards now separated the assailants (see Official History, chap. xix., p. 81).[106]About £30.[107]The third Japanese general assault, mainly directed against Chi-kuan, Ehr-lung, and Sung-shu forts. (SeeMap III.)[108]This must refer to the missiles from the wooden mortars used by the Japanese. These Japanese wooden 5-inch and 7-inch mortars threw “mines” (really large hand grenades), weighing 4½ and 16½ lb. respectively.[109]There is in every regiment a certain number of men not armed with rifles—transport drivers, joiners, carpenters, clerks, harness-makers, wheelers, and shoeing-smiths—and to these are added assistant-surgeons and hospital orderlies under battalion and regimental doctors. The company thus formed is commanded by the regimental Quarter-Master.For inspection purposes these men are formed into one company, but on service the clerks and medical assistants form two separate companies and act independently, the former under the command of the Adjutant, and the latter under one who has passed the “Okolodok” (i.e.the lower standard in the Medical School of Instruction), so that the Quarter-Master has the transport drivers and joiners, etc., left in his charge.All the men of the non-combatant companies are armed with revolvers, with the exception of the transport drivers, who are unarmed, but have to go through a course of rifle practice and instruction.[110]The operations here described were evidently preliminary to the main assault, which, according to our Official History, opened at 8.30 a.m. on November 28.[111]General Tretyakov speaks of “redoubts,” but according to our Official History the works on 203 Metre Hill were really of the less formidable nature of “breastworks,” which term is, therefore, substituted in this translation.[112]Our Official History (Part III., p. 96) states that the Japanese held the summit (of the southern peak) for some time, but were driven back at 3 p.m. From the present narrative it is evident that some at least remained there till after nightfall.[113]A Russian officer always addresses his men on parade by using two words which mean “Good morning, men”; and the men answer all together in two words signifying “We are glad to be able to serve you.”[114]The Japanese eventually had six batteries firing from the neighbourhood of this village at the rear slopes of 203 Metre Hill and Akasaka Yama. (SeeMap III.)[115]Grenades were made in three factories, capable of turning out about 1,000 daily, working the usual hours, and about 2,500, working day and night. (A. Bortnovski,Voenny Sbornik, Jan., 1910.)[116]December 3.[117]This name was probably borrowed from the sailors, who called the 12-inch shell of the Japanese battleships “portmanteaus.” (See the “Battle of Tsu-Shima,” by Semenov.)[118]Our Official History states “about 3,000,” but the author ought to be in a better position to give the correct number.[119]Situated in the centre of the right breastwork. (SeeMap. V.)[120]The Russians always drink tea out of glasses.[121]Of Akasaka Yama.[122]This company had been withdrawn to the reserve at 2 p.m. on the 4th. Seepreceding chapter.[123]Admiral Wirenius, with a squadron of one battleship and two cruisers, was actually on his way to Port Arthur when war broke out.[124]Seven were killed on the spot, and seven more wounded.[125]This proved to be an exaggeration. The storming parties were protected by roofs of boards and scantling, and only a few casualties occurred (see Official History, Part III., p. 116).[126]Mention of this incident is made in Official History (Part III., p. 119), where it appears that the Japanese had actually sprung their mines before this accidental explosion took place.[127]Attacked by the 6th Brigade under General Ichinohe. (SeeMap III.)[128]Eminences flanking the Wang-tai position, probably named after the officers charged with their defence.[129]The corresponding Russian date was December 18.

FOOTNOTES

[1]Somewhat less than £8 at the rate of exchange of 9·5 roubles to the pound sterling.

[2]The term “scout detachment” is used in all official accounts, and will be used throughout this work, to denote a detachment, either mounted or on foot, composed of volunteers (“okhotnik”) and attached to various regiments. All Russian volunteers were thus organized.

[3]Accounts received on the Nan Shan position were probably greatly exaggerated, as something of the nature of a panic ensued upon the first Japanese torpedo attack (see Official History, Part III., pp. 10et seq.). Two battleships and one cruiser were injured in this attack.

[4]This company formed part of the Legation Guard at Pekin.

[5]An “Acting Ensign” is a senior non-commissioned officer who has done his service with the colours, and ranks next to an Ensign in the Reserve, and, like him, wears officer’s uniform.

[6]Though the rank of Major does not exist in the Russian Army, it is used in this translation to denote the Captain Commanding a Battery, Company, or Squadron, in contradistinction to Captain, which term must be understood as applying to a Russian Staff Captain, a rank corresponding to the rank of Second-Captain formerly existing in the British Royal Artillery.

[7]Sixty versts is roughly forty miles, one verst being equal to 1,166 yards.

[8]This refers to the Boxer rising (see Official History, Part II., p. 16).

[9]This seems to be underestimated, as the Official History gives 4,400 yards as the breadth of the position. The author evidently means that at low water thewholebreadth of the peninsula was 8 versts, which agrees with other accounts.

[10]On the Pi-tzu-wo road, but not shown on map.

[11]Official accounts state that as many as 5,000 Chinese coolies were employed.

[12]As a fact the armour of the Japanese ships built in England was as good as any of its date, all of it being hardened in accordance with modern processes.

[13]General Tretyakov was evidently still under the impression that three Russian battleships had beenblown up. The Russians had in reality four first-class battleships still unharmed—Petropavlovsk,Pobieda,Poltava, andPeresviet.

[14]The 13th, 14th, and 15th Regiments were actually posted in rear of the 5th during the battle, but did little to support it.

[15]SeeNote 3at end of book.

[16]See Official History, Part II., p. 11. This news must have come from some of Colonel Rantsov’s cossacks.

[17]It seems unlikely that any of these marauding bands were assisting the Japanese. It must be remembered that the Russians had no good word for the Japanese at this time.

[18]The Russian soldiers invariably sing on the march, when the band is not playing.

[19]Battery No. 13 is situated in rear of the centre of the Nan Shan position.

[20]In our Official History (Part II.) this action is briefly described as an engagement with General Nadyein’s rearguard, but it is evident that two separate reconnaissances were made on May 8 and 16 respectively, and that no rearguard was left as indicated in that report.

[21]In Part II. of the Official History (p. 43, par. 2) the estimated losses were 150 officers and men killed and wounded. For the Russian estimate, see following page.

[22]The Official History gives General Nadyein as the commander during the battle, but General Fock himself conducted the action, General Nadyein being in command of the left flank.

[23]The attack on Chin-chou here mentioned as taking place on May 22 is not given in any of the official accounts, the first mentioned being that of May 25, which isalsodescribed here. These two may, however, be one and the same, owing to confusion of dates.

[24]See Official History (Part II., p. 20).

[25]SeeMap I.

[26]A footnote in the Official History states that half the 10th Company was cut off by the Japanese, but evidently this was not so.

[27]SeeNote No. 4at end of book.

[28]Usual form of address to the dead.

[29]It is not stated what happened to the other company of the 13th Regiment, which was in reserve. A reference to the Official History will show that only one company out of these two is mentioned there also.

[30]At this stage the Japanese were clothed in khaki.

[31]General Tretyakov appears to have been under the impression that the Japanese were giving no quarter.

[32]SeeMaps II.andVI.

[33]1 pood = 38 lb.

[34]The inhabitants of Dalny received the news of the battle of Nan Shan on the evening of the 26th, and were ordered to proceed to Port Arthur at eleven that night (see Official History, Part III., p. 12).

[35]That between Triple Peak and An-tzu Ling (seeMap VI.).

[36]Better known as Orphan Hill; shown on British official maps as Kan-ta Shan, that being its Chinese name.

[37]Called by the Russians the Green Hills.

[38]Known by the Russians as the Wolf Hills.

[39]The Russian name is Bokovi (Side) Hill.

[40]Near Lieh-shu-fang.

[41]As its name implies, the station 11 versts from Port Arthur.

[42]Our Official History states that only three companies of the 5th Regiment were allotted to this section, but adds later that the 5th and 6th Companies were brought up and absorbed in the fighting line. They are here given as being in reserve.

[43]A village 1½ miles north-east of Hou-chia-tun.

[44]Ta-po Shan had actually been captured by the Japanese the previous evening about ten o’clock, two counter-attacks afterwards failing.

[45]Not to be confused with a hill of the same name on the Western Front of the Port Arthur defences.

[46]Probably a hill between Vodymin and Hou-chia-tun.

[47]A village midway between Vodymin and 11th Verst station.

[48]Seefootnote, page 232.

[49]Millet.

[50]“The flatter the trajectory, the better.”

[51]These two forts were on theEastern Front. The author probably refers to these here as being the only two points inadvanceof the main defensive line now left in Russian hands.

[52]A forceful example of the consequences of a badly worded order.

[53]Situated at the extreme left flank of the “Position of the Passes.”

[54]This plea of utter prostration from constant fighting seems to be a poor excuse for the capture of the forts by the Japanese. The resistance was, in reality,moststubborn.

[55]It may be noticed that General Tretyakov makes no mention of the disastrous sortie made by the Russian fleet on August 10.

[56]The Russian name for a knoll at the northern end of Headquarter Hill. Subsequent reference will be by the name of Advanced Hill.

[57]General Tretyakov’s immediate superior.

[58]Our Official History (Part III.) states that Headquarter Hill was captured on the 13th, and Height 426 (Bokovy) on the 15th. From this account it is evident that the former also was not occupied until the 15th.

[59]The Russian name for Headquarter Hill.

[60]The Russian name for Height 426.

[61]Commander of the Fortress Artillery.

[62]Our Official History states that “mist and rain prevented an effectual bombardment on this day,” and no real assault took place. The bombardment of 174 Metre Hill on the 15th was evidently only done to cover the attack on Height 426 (described in the last chapter), as no serious attack was made on 174 Metre Hill till the 19th.

[63]This company was on Connecting Ridge and had been sent to reinforce the 5th and 9th Companies on 174 Metre Hill.

[64]Meaning “Extinct Volcano”; situated about midway between 174 Metre and Division Hills.

[65]A blindage is a covered trench with a roofing at least sufficiently strong to afford protection against rifle and shrapnel bullets.

[66]Sent up from Namako Yama to reinforce 174 Metre Hill.

[67]Officials in Government employ in Russia have civil “rank” just as officers in the army have military rank. Hence the term “general” here.

[68]Consisting of 101 men.

[69]These shells must have come either from Golden Hill Battery or No. 7 Battery on the Tiger Peninsula, each of which had 11-inchhowitzers. (SeeMap III.)

[70]The average Russian soldier of the infantry of the line, with his loose jacket, loose breeches, battered peaked cap, and invariable slouch, does not look what we call smart, and this is what General Tretyakov is probably referring to.

[71]Meaning Red Hill; situated right in the rear of 203 Metre Hill.

[72]Compare with Official History, Part III., p. 31.

[73]Meaning False Hill (south-east of and closely adjoining 203 Metre Hill).

[74]This refers to the north-eastern section of the defence. The Japanese captured the East and West Pan-lung Redoubts, but obtained no other advantage for a total loss of 15,000 men. Hence the “successfully defended.” (SeeMap III.)

[75]Rear part of work.

[76]A sagene is about 7 feet.

[77]Chiefly directed against the East and West Pan-lung Redoubts. (SeeMap III.)

[78]These guns were taken from the ships of the fleet, and were manned by naval gunners.

[79]Seep. 136.

[80]Namako Yama was defended by two tiers of trenches, an upper and a lower, and this was part of the lower line that had been captured (seep. 174, where the upper tier is mentioned).

[81]Probably the author means that to effect anything an assault would be necessary, as the defenders, safely ensconced in their now well-constructed trenches, had nothing to fear from a mere bombardment.

[82]In future references the term “Saddle Hill” will be used. This position is the saddle joining the southern extremity of 203 Metre Hill to Connecting Ridge.

[83]No mention of anyattackis made on this date (19th) in our Official History; this was probably a preliminary movement to the main assault fixed for the next day.

[84]The numbers here given again differ widely from those given in our Official History. Here 500 is about the total, and the Official History gives 1,500 (Official History, Part III., p. 61)—a considerable difference. Note the numbers onp. 181. Assuming that companies were at this time about 140 strong only, the total of these five comes to 714 (700 + 2 + 6 + 6), which, with gunners, gives a total of 764.

[85]All this preliminary fighting is not described in our Official History, but the lodgment effected by the Japanese on the 20th in the Russian bomb-proof is mentioned.

[86]Seep. 180.

[87]He had apparently failed to keep his previous promise (see par. 2,p. 181).

[88]Staff Officer to Colonel Irman.

[89]Orderly Officer to Colonel Tretyakov.

[90]This refers to the Japanese attacks and capture of the Waterworks and Temple Redoubts. (SeeMap III.)

[91]Official History affirms that this was done with 15-lb. charges, but according to our narrative the heavier charges failed.

[92]The Japanese casualties amounted to about 2,500.

[93]The author is referring to men of his own regiment, two companies of which comprised part of the garrison of 203 Metre Hill.

[94]The north-eastern section. This refers to the preliminary movements of the Japanese against Forts Erh-lung and Sung-shu. (SeeMap III.)

[95]Tea-urns.

[96]The “trace” or “outline” of a work is its general shape in plan.

[97]The usual rate of advance of a sap is from 2 to 4 feet per hour, depending on the nature of the soil and the amount of excavation necessary. The latter must, of course, depend on due cover for the party being provided. The Official History states that breastworks, or, more correctly speaking, “parapets” had to be built up, 5 feet high and 4 feet thick, with sand-bags, as ordinary digging was impossible in the rocky formation of 203 Metre Hill. This accounts for the slow rate of progress. Though it is not clear from the narrative, the type of sap was probably that known as “double.”

[98]It will be remembered that regular rifle clamps were used during the South African War for firing at night.

[99]The linia is a Russian unit of measurement, and equals 1/10 inch; hence the calibre of the gun was 4·2 inches.

[100]General Fock wrote a number of “Notes” during the siege, which were published from time to time and distributed throughout the garrison. As many of them contained severe criticisms of commanders of regiments (which were read by junior officers), General Fock was charged at the court-martial, held in St. Petersburg, in 1908, with conduct to the prejudice of military discipline, and General Stessel was also blamed for allowing them to be published. Compare Official History, Part III., p. 144 (3).

[101]SeeMap V.

[102]This refers to the repulse of the Japanese second general assault (October 26–31).

[103]The last direct attack on this fort had been repulsed on October 31, since when mining operations had continued.

[104]Commanding the Engineers.

[105]Only 40 yards now separated the assailants (see Official History, chap. xix., p. 81).

[106]About £30.

[107]The third Japanese general assault, mainly directed against Chi-kuan, Ehr-lung, and Sung-shu forts. (SeeMap III.)

[108]This must refer to the missiles from the wooden mortars used by the Japanese. These Japanese wooden 5-inch and 7-inch mortars threw “mines” (really large hand grenades), weighing 4½ and 16½ lb. respectively.

[109]There is in every regiment a certain number of men not armed with rifles—transport drivers, joiners, carpenters, clerks, harness-makers, wheelers, and shoeing-smiths—and to these are added assistant-surgeons and hospital orderlies under battalion and regimental doctors. The company thus formed is commanded by the regimental Quarter-Master.For inspection purposes these men are formed into one company, but on service the clerks and medical assistants form two separate companies and act independently, the former under the command of the Adjutant, and the latter under one who has passed the “Okolodok” (i.e.the lower standard in the Medical School of Instruction), so that the Quarter-Master has the transport drivers and joiners, etc., left in his charge.All the men of the non-combatant companies are armed with revolvers, with the exception of the transport drivers, who are unarmed, but have to go through a course of rifle practice and instruction.

For inspection purposes these men are formed into one company, but on service the clerks and medical assistants form two separate companies and act independently, the former under the command of the Adjutant, and the latter under one who has passed the “Okolodok” (i.e.the lower standard in the Medical School of Instruction), so that the Quarter-Master has the transport drivers and joiners, etc., left in his charge.

All the men of the non-combatant companies are armed with revolvers, with the exception of the transport drivers, who are unarmed, but have to go through a course of rifle practice and instruction.

[110]The operations here described were evidently preliminary to the main assault, which, according to our Official History, opened at 8.30 a.m. on November 28.

[111]General Tretyakov speaks of “redoubts,” but according to our Official History the works on 203 Metre Hill were really of the less formidable nature of “breastworks,” which term is, therefore, substituted in this translation.

[112]Our Official History (Part III., p. 96) states that the Japanese held the summit (of the southern peak) for some time, but were driven back at 3 p.m. From the present narrative it is evident that some at least remained there till after nightfall.

[113]A Russian officer always addresses his men on parade by using two words which mean “Good morning, men”; and the men answer all together in two words signifying “We are glad to be able to serve you.”

[114]The Japanese eventually had six batteries firing from the neighbourhood of this village at the rear slopes of 203 Metre Hill and Akasaka Yama. (SeeMap III.)

[115]Grenades were made in three factories, capable of turning out about 1,000 daily, working the usual hours, and about 2,500, working day and night. (A. Bortnovski,Voenny Sbornik, Jan., 1910.)

[116]December 3.

[117]This name was probably borrowed from the sailors, who called the 12-inch shell of the Japanese battleships “portmanteaus.” (See the “Battle of Tsu-Shima,” by Semenov.)

[118]Our Official History states “about 3,000,” but the author ought to be in a better position to give the correct number.

[119]Situated in the centre of the right breastwork. (SeeMap. V.)

[120]The Russians always drink tea out of glasses.

[121]Of Akasaka Yama.

[122]This company had been withdrawn to the reserve at 2 p.m. on the 4th. Seepreceding chapter.

[123]Admiral Wirenius, with a squadron of one battleship and two cruisers, was actually on his way to Port Arthur when war broke out.

[124]Seven were killed on the spot, and seven more wounded.

[125]This proved to be an exaggeration. The storming parties were protected by roofs of boards and scantling, and only a few casualties occurred (see Official History, Part III., p. 116).

[126]Mention of this incident is made in Official History (Part III., p. 119), where it appears that the Japanese had actually sprung their mines before this accidental explosion took place.

[127]Attacked by the 6th Brigade under General Ichinohe. (SeeMap III.)

[128]Eminences flanking the Wang-tai position, probably named after the officers charged with their defence.

[129]The corresponding Russian date was December 18.

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