THE SIEGE AND FALL OF PORT ARTHUR (Illustrated)

• This e-book is illustrated publication of the historical account of the most violent battle during the Russo-Japanese war of 1905 written by eye witness journalist W. Richmond Smith.

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• A new table of contents with working links has been included by a publisher.

• This edition has been corrected for spelling and grammatical errors.

An excerpt from preface:

I HAVE been asked to write a short preface to this book, and I am glad to do so, having had the pleasure of making the author's acquaintance during a three-weeks' voyage across the Northern Pacific in March 1904, and having subsequently renewed that acquaintance at Tokyo and in front of Port Arthur.
In Chapter VIII. Mr. Richmond Smith graphically describes the irritation aroused among the Press correspondents by their long detention in Japan. Such irritation may have been natural enough, but the display of it was futile, and the correspondents who, like the author, kept their tempers and held their tongues were regarded with greater respect by the authorities than those who gave full expression to their impatience and indignation. In fact, no one is less liable to be influenced by strong language than the Japanese official, who has been taught to regard any display of emotion as impolite and unbecoming.
When I visited Port Arthur early in December 1904 I found that Mr. Richmond Smith had housed himself, in company with another Press correspondent, in a cave dwelling, which he had caused to be dug out of the side of a steep hill by Chinese peasants. On the pathway leading up to this habitation a signboard was erected with a Japanese inscription, to the effect that any soldier passing by, who wanted a cup of tea, would be supplied with it at any hour of the day or night. As Mr. Smith's quarters were in close proximity to one of the main lines of communication within the Japanese position, many soldiers availed themselves of his hospitality, and General Nogi himself called, drank tea, and expressed his appreciation of the kindness shown to his troops. This friendly invitation, combined no doubt with discretion and tact in his dealings with the Japanese officers, rendered Mr. Richmond Smith a persona grata with the investing army, and led to his being given all the facilities he desired for observing the incidents of the siege.
As regards those incidents in a tactical aspect I can say but little, as during my short stay in front of Port Arthur I was fully occupied in examining the general features of the position and watching the final assault and capture of 203 Metre Hill. It will be seen, however, that many details of military interest are brought to notice in the present narrative: such as the effect produced by grenades charged with a high explosive, the employment of wooden mortars to project such grenades, the utility of wire screens for the purpose of throwing the grenades aside, the efficacy of shields of various patterns to protect men working at the heads of saps, the arrangements for transporting and mounting the heavy 11-inch howitzers, and the like.
As regards the strategical aspect of the siege, I am tempted to offer a few remarks with special reference to articles which have appeared in the public Press suggesting that the conversion by Russia of Port Arthur into a strong naval fortress was a costly m1stake, and implying that of late years we have wasted much money on the defences of our naval bases, besides locking up as garrisons for these bases too large a proportion of our small regular army.