Los Angeles herald., 1905-06-02
HOW THE FIGHT WAS WON
Japanese officer Gives Detailed Ac-
count of Naval Action


count of Naval Action
BY Associated Press.
TOXIC, June IA Japanese officer
who has returned to Sasebo gives the
following account of the sea fight off
Tsu islands:
At $3.50 Saturday morning a wireless
message reading "The enemy's squad
ron is in sight" reached the naval base
This message was transmitted to all our
ships by the flagship with instructions
to get ready for action. Our squadron
left their rendezvous and headed for
the eastern channel off Tsushima.
Our men seemed to be filled with
new inspiration and were eager for the
long-delayed fight to begin.
When Tsushima was sighted to the
southwest, the sea was rough and the
torpedo boats were forced to run for
the shelter of the island. Our third
fighting squadron, with the Takashiho
to port, reconnoitered the Russian
course and at 1880 a. m. informed the
main squadron by wireless telegraphy
that the Russian ships were passing
into the east channel, whereupon our
main squadron, changing it's course
somewhat to the southwark, came in
sight of Okinshima at 1 o'clock in the
afternoon.
The third division arrived later and
Joined the main squadron. The first and
second divisions, accompanied by the
destroyer f1otilla, changed to a westerly
course, while the third division and the
fourth destroyer flotilla headed slight
ly eastward. During this maneuver the
Russian flagship appeared to the south
ward at 1;45 o'clock.
Mikasa Signals for Action
The Russians steamed up in double
column. The fleet was numerous, but
no living being was visible. The Rus
sian ships seemed to be in good order
Our ships hoisted the flag of action, the
Mikasa signaling: "The destiny of our
empire depends upon this action. You
are all expected to do your utmost"
Our men seemed to silently weigh the
significance Of this signal.
OHA Aob anu SGtOlANl llN lSlOilS luTIleu
to the Russians starboard, while the
third division kept in close touch with
the preceding two divisions. With the
Japanese ships proceeding in this order
it was 2:13 o'clock 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 battle was on with
firing from both sides. Our destroyers
kept on the port side of the main
squadron and in this formation we
pressed the Russians against the coast
of Kiushiu and they were obliged to
change their course to the east. We
also maneuvered our ships so as to have
their bows parallel to the north side of
the Russian line. So the Mikasa, of
our first division, which has been lead
ing, changed to the rear of the line.
while the Kasuga headed the line.
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, proceeding parallel with the
Russian line, and as we began to press
against the head of the Russian line
our third division veered to the Rus
sian rear, thus enveloping their ships.
The engagement proceeded hotly.
our second division followed a course
parallel with the northern side of the
Russians and this movement completed
the epyelopment The Russian ships
were Seen trying to break through and
out destroyer hotilla intercepted their
new course. This state OF development
continued until the following day. with