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Lüshun (China) -- History -- Siege, 1904-1905 Books
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Richard Barry
Port Arthur : $b a monster heroism
"Port Arthur: A Monster Heroism" by Richard Barry is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The narrative chronicles the intense military siege of Port Arthur during the Russo-Japanese War, showcasing the strategic maneuvers, military challenges, and human experiences involved in this significant confrontation. The work likely includes observations from Barry himself, who serves as a war correspondent witnessing these events firsthand. The opening portion of the book establishes the context of the siege, with Barry describing the landscape around Port Arthur and introducing himself and a group of military observers. As they observe the distant sounds of battle, the atmosphere is marked by silence interrupted only by the booming artillery. Barry reflects on the beauty of the city of Dalny juxtaposed with the looming threat of war, portraying the complexities of the situation. He hints at the significance of the siege, which challenges the perceived invincibility of the Russian forces and foreshadows the impending conflict that will unfold in the ensuing chapters.
E. K. (Evgenii Konstantinovich) Nozhin
The Truth About Port Arthur
"The Truth About Port Arthur" by E. K. Nozhin is a historical account written in the early 20th century, detailing the events surrounding the siege of Port Arthur during the Russo-Japanese War. The book presents an insider's perspective on the military strategies and blunders made by Russian officials during the defense of Port Arthur, highlighting the confusion and challenges faced by the besieged forces and their leaders, particularly General Smirnoff. The opening of the book introduces readers to the chaos that erupted at Port Arthur on the eve of war, illustrating the unpreparedness and disarray of the Russian defense, as rumors of an impending conflict finally culminated in a fierce bombardment by Japanese forces. Nozhin, an accredited war correspondent, recounts the critical moments of the siege from his unique vantage point, emphasizing the internal struggles faced by the garrison leaders, notably the contradictions and mismanagement by commanders like Stössel. His narrative serves as both a gripping eyewitness account and a critical indictment of the military hierarchy, setting the stage for a detailed analysis of the ensuing catastrophe.
Tadayoshi Sakurai
Human Bullets: A Soldier's Story of Port Arthur
"Human Bullets: A Soldier's Story of Port Arthur" by Tadayoshi Sakurai is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book focuses on the experiences of a Japanese soldier during the Russo-Japanese War, particularly the significant siege of Port Arthur. Through the eyes of Lieutenant Sakurai, the narrative aims to illuminate the courage, sacrifices, and camaraderie of Japanese soldiers, exploring the emotional and psychological aspects of warfare. The opening of the book sets the stage for the imminent conflict, detailing the mobilization of the Japanese army in anticipation of war against Russia. It captures the fervent excitement and patriotic spirit amongst the soldiers as they prepare for battle, expressing their willingness to sacrifice everything for their country. The lieutenant shares poignant stories of individual soldiers, highlighting their personal struggles and motivations as they embark on the challenging journey toward Port Arthur, all imbued with a sense of duty and loyalty to their nation.
William Maxwell
From the Yalu to Port Arthur
From the Yalu to Port Arthur by Sir William Maxwell is a historical account written in the early 20th century. It presents a war correspondent’s first-hand chronicle of the Russo-Japanese War, tracing Japan’s campaign from the Yalu River through Manchuria to the surrender of Port Arthur, with close attention to commanders, planning, and logistics. Expect strategic analysis intertwined with vivid on-the-ground reporting, especially alongside General Kuroki’s First Army. The opening of the work sets out Maxwell’s unique vantage (embedded with Kuroki from the Yalu to the Sha-ho and present at Port Arthur’s surrender), then recounts the diplomatic road to war: Korea’s fraught status, China’s waning suzerainty, Japan’s 1894–95 victory, Russia’s subsequent encroachments, and the missteps and delays that culminated in Japan’s decision to fight. He outlines Japanese intelligence estimates of Russian strengths and weaknesses (skeptical of Kuropatkin and the Cossacks, confident in breaking Russian morale), contrasts them with Russian misreadings of Japanese tactics, and sketches Japan’s leaders and campaign design. The narrative then moves to action: seizing Chemulpo and Seoul, the sinking of the Varyag, the rapid push on Pyng-yang and Anju, cautious advances under uncertain enemy intentions, and ingenious logistics—including covert coastal landings and road-building through morass to bring howitzers forward. Maxwell describes his rough journey north across filthy villages and flooded tracks, the bustling Japanese supply lines, and missionary outposts, before surveying the Yalu’s complex channels and islands that made a direct assault perilous. It culminates in a detailed account of the engineers’ night bridging and pontoon operations under fire—slipping field and heavy guns onto islands like Kontonto and Chonchagtai—successfully establishing a foothold for the coming battle.
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