Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1905-06-05
STORY OF THE BATTLE
BY JAPANESE OFFICERS


BY JAPANESE OFFICERS
Toxic, Thursday, June "A Japan
csc officer has returned to Sasebo,
giving the following account OF the
sea fight:
At $3.50 Saturday morning a wire
less message reading, "The enemy's
squadron is in sight" reached the ma
val base. This message was transmit
ted to all our ships by the flagship,
with instructions to get ready for
action Our squadron left their rem
devious and headed for the eastern
channel off Tsushima. Our men
seemed to be filled with new inspira-
ton ans We're eager fer the long-de-
layed fight to begin. When Tsushlma
was sighted to the southwest, the sea
was rough and the torpedoboats were
forced to run for the shelter of the
island. Our third fighting squadron,
with the Takaspiho to- port, reconnoit-
cred the Russian course, and at 1880
informed the main squadron by wire
less telegraph that the Russian ships
were passing into the east channel,
whereupon our main squadron, chang
ing it's course to the southwark, came
in sight CT Okinshima at 1 in the af-
tcrnoon.
Russians Appear When Wanted.
The third division arrived later and
joined the main squadron. The first
mil
the destroyer f1otilla, changed to
westerly course, while the third divi-
sion and fourth destroyer fiotilla head
ed slightly eastward. During the
Vancouver the Russian flagship ap-
peared to- the southwark at Las. The
Russians steamed up in double col
umns. TIE fleet was numerous, but
no living being was visible. The Rus
sian ships seemed to be in good or
der Our ships hoisted the flag of &C
ton, the Mikasa signalling:
Action of Destiny.
"The destiny of our empire depends
upon this action You are all expect
ed to do your utmost"
Our men seemed to silently weigh
the significance of this signal.
Battle Opened by Russians.
Our first and second divisions
turned to the Russians starboard
while the third division kept in close
touch with the preceding two iivi-
sions. With the Japanese ships pro-
ceeding in this order, it was 2:13
when the Russians opened fire. The
first two shots fell short of our line
and it was some minutes later before
we commenced firing. Then the bat
tie was on with firing from both sides.
Forced Against the Coast.
Our destroyers kept on the port side
of the main squadron and in this for
nation we pressed the Russians
against the coast of Kiusiu and they
were obliged to change their course to
the east We also manaeuvered our
ships so as to have their bows par
alleled TO the north side of the Rus
sian line So the Mikasa of our first
division, which had been leading,
changed to the rear of'the line while
the Kasuga headed the line.
Borodino on Fire.
The engagement now became very
fierce. The BorodinO. was seen to be
on fire. A little later the Russians
headed west and we changed our
course accordingly. Five ships OF our
second division concentrated their fire
on the BorodinO. Our first division
now began firing vigorously, proceed
ing parallel with the Russian line, and
as we began to press against the head
of the Russian line our third division
veered to the Russian rear. thus en-
veloping their ships. The second di-
vision followed a course parallel with
the northern side of the Russians, ami
this movement completed the envelop-
ment.
Try to Break Through.
The Russian ships were seen trying
to break through our destroyer f1otilla,
which intercepted their new course.
This state of development continued
until the following day, with the ships
at varying distances. Thus enclosed
on all Sides the Russians were pow
erless to escape the circle. Previous
instructions had been given the de-
stroyer3 and torpedoboats to attack
the Russian ships. Following instruc-
lions, so destrOyers advanced against
a Russian ship, upon which the sec
on division had been concentrating it's
fire, signalling:
1--WE are going to give the last thrus-
tie to them"