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Russian Into Port Arthur!
Part I: Night Surprise Attack
The Japanese navy, under the command of General TÅgÅ HeihachirÅ, began their assault on Port Arthur with much success, perhaps due to their luck in their attacks on the docked Russian fleet, or due to the birthday of the wife of Admiral in Port Arthur at the time, that of course being Oskar Viktorovich Stark. Either way, the Japanese destroyers and torpedo boats were able to slip through the Russian defenses, save for the destroyer Oboro, which encountered a small detachment of patrolling Russian destroyers, who attempted to return back to the Russian defenses at Port Arthur. However, these destroyers were too late, and the Japanese ships opened fire. Due to the large portion of torpedo nets and other defenses there, only five of the torpedoes actually managed to connect to the ships in the port. However, these were to exceptionally successful, with the Retvizan, Tsesarevic, Pallada, Petropavlavsk, and Sevastopol getting majorly damaged. However, once these torpedoes had hit, the Russian defenses were more than awake, firing and searching for any Japanese ships that were there. Due to this, the Japanese forces retreated, ready to assess the damages the next day.
Part II: Surface Engagement
The following day, Vice Admiral Dewa ShigetÅ was ordered by Admiral TÅgÅ to assess the damages caused by the night attack. Observing a majority of the Russian fleet, especially a few ships preparing for Battle. However, the ships observed by Vice Admiral ShigetÅ were rather small ones, and because of this, perhaps due to overconfidence or some other thoughts, told Admiral TÅgÅ that the Russians were in an exceptionally weak position (that they were not in, due to a large portion of their navy still intact and ready to attack the less strong Japanese naval force) and that the Japanese should attack the Russian positions. Because of this, Admiral TÅgÅ ordered the First and Third Divisions on the Russian positions, despite the major Russian shore batteries. Ultimately, the Japanese forces took rather a few losses, and managed to escape the Russian defenses and major ships, damaging the Novik, Poltava, Dianam Pobeda and Askold ships. However, the Misakaâs aft bridge was destroyed, and the Shikishima, Fuji, and Hatsuse took somewhat high damages, that would take some time to repair. The Japanese forces limped back to Sasebo somewhat disgracefully, not causing any major losses, but still were able to cause heavy damages to the Russian ships at Port Arthur. However, the Russian ships are still penned into Port Arthur, due to the combination of the cold weather and Japanese blockade.
Losses:
Russian:
- No ships sunk
- Major damages to the Retvizan, Tsesarevic, pallada, Petropavlavsk, Sevastopol, Novik, Polstava, Dianam, Pobeda, Askold
Japanese:
- No ships sunk (again)
- Major damages to the Misaka, Shikishuma, Fuji, Hatsuse
Result: Somewhat of a stalemate, with minor Japanese victory due to the damages caused and the trapping of the Russian fleet
A Very Ja-Painful Attack for Chemulpo
General Baron Kuroki and his four regiments of the 12th division took to the seas, ready to attack the Russian port of Chemulpo, however, it seemed that they were somewhat out of luck on this day. It seemed as if everything that could have gone wrong that day did, with the Japanese ships getting discovered before even engaging, as well as with the somewhat comical engagement, if it could even be called that, between the Korietz and Chiyoda, due to the Korietz mistaking Chiyoda for a fellow Russian ship, loaded its guns for a salute. On closing in, the crew of Korietz realized their mistake and in the ensuing confusion the guns were discharged. Chiyoda responded by launching a torpedo. The discharge of the guns of the Korietz managed to hit the Chiyoda, but still, both sides carried on with their tasks, with the Korietz retreating back to its harbour in Chemulpo. The next day, Admiral Uryū Sotokichi ordered his ships to move into the channel at Chemulpo, which they did so with blinding success, albeit with the Takachiho and Asama taking heavy damages, as well as the Chiyoda being sunk, but not without heavy damages to the Varyag. All of her twelve 6 in (150 mm) guns, all of her 12-pounders, and all of her 3-pounders were out of action, she took 5 serious hits at or below the waterline. Her upper works and ventilators were riddled, and her crew had put out at least five serious fires. Of her crew with a nominal strength of 580, 33 were killed and 97 wounded. Due to the outstandingly shocking Japanese luck, Admiral Sotokichi decided not to continue his attack and to take the port at a later date.
Result: Tactical Stalemate, with somewhat large naval casualties on both sides
Losses:
Japanese:
- Chiyoda sunk
- Asama and Takachiho taking heavy damage
Russian:
- None sunk
- Heavy damages to Varyag
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