Double Whisky
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On board of Tsesarevitch, anchored on the roadstead of Port Artur
29-th day of July 1904
Your Majesty !
I hereby do have a honour to inform Your Majesty, that in obedience to Your Majesty’s orders passed to me by His Highness Viceroy Yevgeny Vladimirovitch Alexeiev, the Port Artur Squadron of First Pacific Squadron sailed from the Port Artur harbour at the morning of the 28-th day of July in order to reach the Vladivostok.
Just off the roadstead of Port Artur, in the proximity of Encounter Rock the Squadron was faced by overwhelming forces of Japanese fleet and had to accept the decisive battle.
Thanks to the help of God and to superior maneuvering of Your Majesty’s fleet the Squadron was able to defeat an enemy, destroying most of Japenese fleet main body.
It is my duty to inform Your Majesty that during the battle the battleship Sevastopol sunk, fighting bravely to the bitter end. The damages on the other ships were very limited, and the Squadron is in good fighting condition.
Due to the shortage of ammunition after the day long battle the Squadron returned to the roadstead of Port Artur and is now replenishing under the protection of the coastal artillery.
I took a liberty to send a message to the Admiral Pyotr Alexeievitch Bezobrazov, Commander in Chief of First Pacific Squadron, asking him to delay the sortie of the Independent Cruiser Squadron of First Pacific Squadron, under the command of Rear Admiral Karl Petrovich Yessen, from the Vladivostok.
It is my intention to sail out from Port Artur as soon as possible, escorting all not battle ready ships from the fortress, mainly the armoured cruiser Bayan, torpedo cruisers, destroyers and auxiliaries to the Vladivostok. The rendez-vous with Independent Cruiser Squadron to the north of Ullung Island will be possible, and – after dispatching non combatant and not battle ready ships to Vladivostok – the united First Pacific Squadron will be able to interdict the Japanese transports between home islands and Korea.
The action against the remnants of Japanese fleet, especially its cruiser force, seems to be unavoidable, but now the Squadron can handle the Japanese with ease.
Meanwhile I ordered all available ships like gunboats and clippers from Port Artur to put to the patrols on enemy communication lines, and asked Admiral Pyotr Alexeievitch Bezobrazov to issue similar orders for the suitable ships based in Vladivostok.
Your Majesty, I beg for the prayers for the souls of Captain Nikolai Ottovich von Essen and all other men lost with Your Majesty’s ship Sevastopol as well as on boards of other ships of the Squadron.
In order to inform Your Majesty as fully as possible I’m attaching to this report preliminary summary of the battle prepared by the Staff of First Port Artur Squadron.
Your Majesty’s obedient servant
Wilhelm Karlovitch Witthöft
Rear Admiral
In command of Port Artur Squadron
First Pacific Squadron
of Russian Imperial Fleet
After the decision was made by the Commanding Admiral to attempt the breakout from Port Artur on July 28-th, the War Council was held on the board of Tsesarevitch, attended by all admirals, division commanders, ship commanders and staff officers. The decisions were made as in the case of battle the Squadron should do its best to cross enemy’s “T” or to run before the enemy in line abreast, engaging leading enemy ships from rear turrets in order to slow them down. Reforming to the line of bearing in order to bring the forward turrets to bear or crossing the “T” in line ahead would be possible against slowed enemy. Cruisers were ordered to keep stations on unengaged side of the battleline and the destroyers were to act as anti torpedo boat screen.
Morning of July 28-th the Squadron sortied from Port Artur and was faced by the Admiral Dewa’s division to the west of Encounter Rock. The squadron sailed to the west, then turned to south and finally to south east, such slipping behind Japanese cruisers.
Then the Japanese battleships were spotted shortly after, steaming from the Encounter Rock to the south with utmost speed. Admiral Dewa’s cruisers joined the Japanese battleline at the rear. Older ships of Admiral Yamada’s division were also seen in a distance, as well as several groups of destroyers and torpedo boats.
The own Admiral Togo’s division, as well as Admiral Dewa’s division commanded a superior speed, so the battle was unavoidable.
Carefully maneuvering from the south east to east, and finally north east course the Commanding Admiral assured the superior position for the Squadron in the opening stage of the battle, crossing the enemy’s “T”. All six battleships opened fire at the distance of four thousands fathoms concentrating on Mikasa, boldly leading the Japanese line of battle. Japanese flagship was soon covered by flames and fumes, so Tsesarevitch and Retvizan moved the fire to the Asashi, second in Japanese line. As Sevastopol, the last ship in our line reached the line of bearing of the Japanese line, the Commanding Admiral ordered all ships to turn back and reform on south east course. The main line was now led by the Sevastopol, under the able command of Captain Nikolai Ottovich von Essen. Sevastopol and Poltava kept the Mikasa under continous fire, while Peresvyet and Pobyeda shelled Asashi and Retvizan with Tsesarevitch fired at Fuso, third in Japanese line. The cruisers, under the command of Rear Admiral Nikolaj Karlovitch Reitzenstein sailed paralelly to to the battleline, opening when possible onto the targets of opportunity. To keep the favourable distance to the enemy the Commanding Admiral ordered the turn to the south – to the line of bearing.
In short time Mikasa and Asashi were completely demolished and Fuji covered by flames. Very unhappily some Japanese shells caused the substantial damage on Sevastopol. The bravely fighting battleship lost her speed and felt off the line. As the distance to the enemy felt dangerously low, Commanding Admiral ordered turn to the south east, to the line abreast. As the distance increased, the Squadron ceased the fire and we saw Sevastopol and Mikasa sinking almost side by side. Asashi stopped and started to list only minutes later.
The enemy line was now led by Fuji surrounded in fires, so Commanding Admiral ordered next turn to south west and reforming the line, such again crossing enemy’s “T”. This was only short encounter but resulting in putting Fuso out of the line by the fire of Poltava, and starting heavy fires on Shikishima, shelled by other ships of the Squadron.
The Squadron again opened distance to the enemy, reformed on the north east course, and then turned to the north. Weihaiwei was quite close to the south now, and Commanding Admiral decided, that by putting the Squadron to the east from enemy the sea room and freedom of maneuvering will be guaranteed. Soon Japanese line closed again after Shikishima felt off and Commanding Admiral ordered the turn to the enemy in line abreast, then change to line of bearing and at least crossed the Japanese’s “T” once again this day. The battleships of the Squadron put the armoured cruisers Nisshin and Kasuga out of line and out of action in matter of minutes.
Commanding Admiral once again ordered to open the distance, and then to turn to north east, to retain good visibility toward the enemy, as sun was setting down slowly. Soon the four ships of Admiral Dewa’s division were spotted, charging against our battleline in really cavalry - like fashion, advancing with utmost speed, but this was hopeless and fruitless charge, as precise fire of the Squadron, turning in the meantime to the west, quickly made them all a violently burning wrecks. The Squadron continued on west course and then turned to the south west. Acting this way Commanding Admiral put the Squadron between the Japanese ships and the setting sun.
After waiting for proper time window the Commanding Admiral ordered the quick dash in the line abreast toward Admiral Yamada’s division, visible to south east and blinded by setting sun. The Squadron closed the distance and poured the fire over Japanese ships, sinking quickly the three cruisers.
The old battleship Chin Yen went also ablaze, but Commanding Admiral decided not to pursue her, as she was already crippled by fires, and Japanese destroyers and torpedo boats were closing from south.
As the replenishement of the ammunition on ships was necessary, the Commanding Admiral ordered course back to the Port Artur. The Squadron reached the roadstead of Port Artur four hours after sunset, sinking in the meantime one of shadowing Japanese torpedoboats.
Nikolay Alexandrovitch Matusevitch
Rear Admiral
Chief of Staff
of Commanding Admiral
of Port Artur Squadron
First Pacific Squadron
Of Russian Imperial Fleet
APPENDIX
ENEMY SHIPS WITH THE HELP OF GOD SUNKEN IN THE BATTLE AT THE ROADSTEAD OF PORT ARTUR
1. MIKASA – BATTLESHIP OF FIRST CLASS
2. ASASHI – BATTLESHIP OF FIRST CLASS
3. FUJI – BATTLESHIP OF FIRST CLASS
4. SHIKISHIMA – BATTLESHIP OF FIRST CLASS
5. CHIN YEN – BATTLESHIP OF SECOND CLASS
6. NISSHIN – ARMOURED CRUISER
7. KASUGA – ARMOURED CRUISER
8. YAKUMO – ARMOURED CRUISER
9. CHITOSE – PROTECTED CRUISER
10. KASAGI – PROTECTED CRUISER
11. TAKASAGO – PROTECTED CRUISER
12. ITSUKUSHIMA – PROTECTED CRUISER
13. HASHIDATE – PROTECTED CRUISER
14. MATSUSHIMA – PROTECTED CRUISER
15. UNRECOGNIZED TORPEDOBOAT
View attachment 24739
View attachment 24740
29-th day of July 1904
Your Majesty !
I hereby do have a honour to inform Your Majesty, that in obedience to Your Majesty’s orders passed to me by His Highness Viceroy Yevgeny Vladimirovitch Alexeiev, the Port Artur Squadron of First Pacific Squadron sailed from the Port Artur harbour at the morning of the 28-th day of July in order to reach the Vladivostok.
Just off the roadstead of Port Artur, in the proximity of Encounter Rock the Squadron was faced by overwhelming forces of Japanese fleet and had to accept the decisive battle.
Thanks to the help of God and to superior maneuvering of Your Majesty’s fleet the Squadron was able to defeat an enemy, destroying most of Japenese fleet main body.
It is my duty to inform Your Majesty that during the battle the battleship Sevastopol sunk, fighting bravely to the bitter end. The damages on the other ships were very limited, and the Squadron is in good fighting condition.
Due to the shortage of ammunition after the day long battle the Squadron returned to the roadstead of Port Artur and is now replenishing under the protection of the coastal artillery.
I took a liberty to send a message to the Admiral Pyotr Alexeievitch Bezobrazov, Commander in Chief of First Pacific Squadron, asking him to delay the sortie of the Independent Cruiser Squadron of First Pacific Squadron, under the command of Rear Admiral Karl Petrovich Yessen, from the Vladivostok.
It is my intention to sail out from Port Artur as soon as possible, escorting all not battle ready ships from the fortress, mainly the armoured cruiser Bayan, torpedo cruisers, destroyers and auxiliaries to the Vladivostok. The rendez-vous with Independent Cruiser Squadron to the north of Ullung Island will be possible, and – after dispatching non combatant and not battle ready ships to Vladivostok – the united First Pacific Squadron will be able to interdict the Japanese transports between home islands and Korea.
The action against the remnants of Japanese fleet, especially its cruiser force, seems to be unavoidable, but now the Squadron can handle the Japanese with ease.
Meanwhile I ordered all available ships like gunboats and clippers from Port Artur to put to the patrols on enemy communication lines, and asked Admiral Pyotr Alexeievitch Bezobrazov to issue similar orders for the suitable ships based in Vladivostok.
Your Majesty, I beg for the prayers for the souls of Captain Nikolai Ottovich von Essen and all other men lost with Your Majesty’s ship Sevastopol as well as on boards of other ships of the Squadron.
In order to inform Your Majesty as fully as possible I’m attaching to this report preliminary summary of the battle prepared by the Staff of First Port Artur Squadron.
Your Majesty’s obedient servant
Wilhelm Karlovitch Witthöft
Rear Admiral
In command of Port Artur Squadron
First Pacific Squadron
of Russian Imperial Fleet
BATTLE OF TWENTY EIGHT OF JULY 1904
AT THE ROADSTEAD OF PORT ARTUR
FIRST SUMMARY
AT THE ROADSTEAD OF PORT ARTUR
FIRST SUMMARY
After the decision was made by the Commanding Admiral to attempt the breakout from Port Artur on July 28-th, the War Council was held on the board of Tsesarevitch, attended by all admirals, division commanders, ship commanders and staff officers. The decisions were made as in the case of battle the Squadron should do its best to cross enemy’s “T” or to run before the enemy in line abreast, engaging leading enemy ships from rear turrets in order to slow them down. Reforming to the line of bearing in order to bring the forward turrets to bear or crossing the “T” in line ahead would be possible against slowed enemy. Cruisers were ordered to keep stations on unengaged side of the battleline and the destroyers were to act as anti torpedo boat screen.
Morning of July 28-th the Squadron sortied from Port Artur and was faced by the Admiral Dewa’s division to the west of Encounter Rock. The squadron sailed to the west, then turned to south and finally to south east, such slipping behind Japanese cruisers.
Then the Japanese battleships were spotted shortly after, steaming from the Encounter Rock to the south with utmost speed. Admiral Dewa’s cruisers joined the Japanese battleline at the rear. Older ships of Admiral Yamada’s division were also seen in a distance, as well as several groups of destroyers and torpedo boats.
The own Admiral Togo’s division, as well as Admiral Dewa’s division commanded a superior speed, so the battle was unavoidable.
Carefully maneuvering from the south east to east, and finally north east course the Commanding Admiral assured the superior position for the Squadron in the opening stage of the battle, crossing the enemy’s “T”. All six battleships opened fire at the distance of four thousands fathoms concentrating on Mikasa, boldly leading the Japanese line of battle. Japanese flagship was soon covered by flames and fumes, so Tsesarevitch and Retvizan moved the fire to the Asashi, second in Japanese line. As Sevastopol, the last ship in our line reached the line of bearing of the Japanese line, the Commanding Admiral ordered all ships to turn back and reform on south east course. The main line was now led by the Sevastopol, under the able command of Captain Nikolai Ottovich von Essen. Sevastopol and Poltava kept the Mikasa under continous fire, while Peresvyet and Pobyeda shelled Asashi and Retvizan with Tsesarevitch fired at Fuso, third in Japanese line. The cruisers, under the command of Rear Admiral Nikolaj Karlovitch Reitzenstein sailed paralelly to to the battleline, opening when possible onto the targets of opportunity. To keep the favourable distance to the enemy the Commanding Admiral ordered the turn to the south – to the line of bearing.
In short time Mikasa and Asashi were completely demolished and Fuji covered by flames. Very unhappily some Japanese shells caused the substantial damage on Sevastopol. The bravely fighting battleship lost her speed and felt off the line. As the distance to the enemy felt dangerously low, Commanding Admiral ordered turn to the south east, to the line abreast. As the distance increased, the Squadron ceased the fire and we saw Sevastopol and Mikasa sinking almost side by side. Asashi stopped and started to list only minutes later.
The enemy line was now led by Fuji surrounded in fires, so Commanding Admiral ordered next turn to south west and reforming the line, such again crossing enemy’s “T”. This was only short encounter but resulting in putting Fuso out of the line by the fire of Poltava, and starting heavy fires on Shikishima, shelled by other ships of the Squadron.
The Squadron again opened distance to the enemy, reformed on the north east course, and then turned to the north. Weihaiwei was quite close to the south now, and Commanding Admiral decided, that by putting the Squadron to the east from enemy the sea room and freedom of maneuvering will be guaranteed. Soon Japanese line closed again after Shikishima felt off and Commanding Admiral ordered the turn to the enemy in line abreast, then change to line of bearing and at least crossed the Japanese’s “T” once again this day. The battleships of the Squadron put the armoured cruisers Nisshin and Kasuga out of line and out of action in matter of minutes.
Commanding Admiral once again ordered to open the distance, and then to turn to north east, to retain good visibility toward the enemy, as sun was setting down slowly. Soon the four ships of Admiral Dewa’s division were spotted, charging against our battleline in really cavalry - like fashion, advancing with utmost speed, but this was hopeless and fruitless charge, as precise fire of the Squadron, turning in the meantime to the west, quickly made them all a violently burning wrecks. The Squadron continued on west course and then turned to the south west. Acting this way Commanding Admiral put the Squadron between the Japanese ships and the setting sun.
After waiting for proper time window the Commanding Admiral ordered the quick dash in the line abreast toward Admiral Yamada’s division, visible to south east and blinded by setting sun. The Squadron closed the distance and poured the fire over Japanese ships, sinking quickly the three cruisers.
The old battleship Chin Yen went also ablaze, but Commanding Admiral decided not to pursue her, as she was already crippled by fires, and Japanese destroyers and torpedo boats were closing from south.
As the replenishement of the ammunition on ships was necessary, the Commanding Admiral ordered course back to the Port Artur. The Squadron reached the roadstead of Port Artur four hours after sunset, sinking in the meantime one of shadowing Japanese torpedoboats.
Nikolay Alexandrovitch Matusevitch
Rear Admiral
Chief of Staff
of Commanding Admiral
of Port Artur Squadron
First Pacific Squadron
Of Russian Imperial Fleet
APPENDIX
ENEMY SHIPS WITH THE HELP OF GOD SUNKEN IN THE BATTLE AT THE ROADSTEAD OF PORT ARTUR
1. MIKASA – BATTLESHIP OF FIRST CLASS
2. ASASHI – BATTLESHIP OF FIRST CLASS
3. FUJI – BATTLESHIP OF FIRST CLASS
4. SHIKISHIMA – BATTLESHIP OF FIRST CLASS
5. CHIN YEN – BATTLESHIP OF SECOND CLASS
6. NISSHIN – ARMOURED CRUISER
7. KASUGA – ARMOURED CRUISER
8. YAKUMO – ARMOURED CRUISER
9. CHITOSE – PROTECTED CRUISER
10. KASAGI – PROTECTED CRUISER
11. TAKASAGO – PROTECTED CRUISER
12. ITSUKUSHIMA – PROTECTED CRUISER
13. HASHIDATE – PROTECTED CRUISER
14. MATSUSHIMA – PROTECTED CRUISER
15. UNRECOGNIZED TORPEDOBOAT
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