Port Arthur 1904–05

The First Modern Siege

Port Arthur 1904–05 cover

Port Arthur 1904–05

The First Modern Siege

Description

A gripping, illustrated narrative of the longest and most brutal land battle of the 1904–05 Russo-Japanese War.

Growing rivalry between Imperial Russia and Imperial Japan over territorial control in China and Korea led to the outbreak of war in February 1904. Japan struck the first blow with a surprise naval attack against the anchored Russian Pacific Fleet at its base in Port Arthur. Once the fleet had been neutralized, the Japanese landed their Second Army on the Liaotung Peninsula in May 1904, in order to besiege Port Arthur. The fighting that followed has become legend in military history.

Respected military historian Robert Forczyk describes the Russian relief operation towards Port Arthur (the Battle of Telissu), and the lengthy siege of the Russian-held town and harbour. The initial Japanese attempts to capture the port by assault are documented in detail, together with the Japanese progress through the heavily fortified lines protecting Port Arthur.

Specially commissioned artworks bring to life in vivid detail the Battle of Nanshan Hill, the Japanese assault on the Wantai Heights, and the bombardments of the Russian forts. Maps and diagrams explore the strategic situation and tactical progress of the fighting in step-by-step detail, and over 60 period photographs reveal the appearance and weaponry of the opposing forces and the terrain around Port Arthur.

Table of Contents

ORIGINS OF THE CAMPAIGN
CHRONOLOGY
OPPOSING COMMANDERS
Japanese
Russian
OPPOSING FORCES
Japanese
Russian
Orders of Battle
OPPOSING PLANS
Japanese
Russian
THE CAMPAIGN
Opening moves
Fight for the outer perimeter
The siege begins
The shift to trench warfare
The siege reaches its climax
AFTERMATH
Analysis
THE BATTLEFIELD TODAY
FURTHER READING
INDEX

Product details

Published 18 Jan 2024
Format Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition 1st
Extent 96
ISBN 9781472855602
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations Colour illustrations throughout, including battlescene artworks, maps, 3D diagrams and photographs.
Series Campaign
Short code CAM 398
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Robert Forczyk

Robert Forczyk has a PhD in International Relation…

Illustrator

Steve Noon

Steve Noon was born in Kent, UK, and attended art…

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