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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #22
Dateline: Kobe 21-Apr-1904
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Earthquake Felt in Kobe Japan |
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Early risers reported a minor
earthquake in the major port city. Tremors are nothing new to this
bustling city on the island of Honshu. No damage has been reported.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #21
Dateline: Fusan 10-Apr-1904 |
Japanese Shipping Lanes Disrupted |
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Rumors of Russian raiders attacking ships on the major shipping lane to
Fusan have been rampant in this coastal city for several days. Our
sources report that supplies have not been reaching the Imperial Japanese
Army in quantities needed to maintain the drive toward the Yalu River.
Although official spokesmen downplay the disruption, it is evident that
the forces in the field are feeling the effects. Line officers requesting
anonymity told reporters that operations have been delayed at least a
week.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #20
Dateline: Sasebo 3-Apr-1904 |
Naval Engagement on Korea Bay |
Our sources in Korea have been confirmed rumors of a significant naval
battle on Korea Bay. Exact details are still not known at this time. Our
intrepid reporters continue to investigate. As may be expected the
Japanese high command has refused to comment on any damage incurred by
the Imperial Navy. In a press release this morning a spokesman, claimed
His Imperial Majesty's forces rescued over 850 Russian sailors who are now
being held as prisoners of war at an undisclosed location.
News reaching Japan from the Kwantung Peninsula is understandably
difficult to come by. Our office in Port Arthur reports that the Russian
1st Pacific Fleet left port several days ago and has not returned as of
this morning. When asked about the battle Russian sources would not
comment on any rumors. Lack of wireless communications with the fleet
continue to present problems for the Russian Imperial Navy.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #19
Dateline: Chinampo 1-Apr-1904 |
Russians Bombard Chinampo |
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Reports have reached this occupied city that a large Russian fleet
bombarded Chinampo. Recently captured by the Imperial Japanese Army,
Chinampo is located in northwestern Korea approximately 175 kilometers
south of the Yalu River. Japanese forces overran Chinampo in late March
and minimal defenses had been prepared. Stormy weather apparently
hampered the Russian gunners as damage minimal. Still the psychological
impact if this attack cannot be dismissed. This is not the first time a
Russian fleet has shelled this Japanese outpost without suffering damage.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #18
Dateline: Vladivostok
1-Apr-1904 |
Russians
Celebrate Spring |
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Citizens of this remote Russian outpost cheered the break up of the sea
ice that makes travel to foreign ports hazardous for five months of the
year. Although Russian icebreakers are excellent, there is always a risk
to shipping from November through March. As can be expected there is
increased consumption of vodka during the merrymaking and spirits are
upbeat. The festivities this year are somewhat less jovial than usual
given the wartime footing of this important Russian port.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #17
Dateline: Port Arthur 31-Mar-1904 |
Port Arthur
Bombarded for 2nd Time |
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A powerful Japanese fleet has again bombarded this city on the Kwantung
Peninsula. Under the cover of darkness and storm clouds the Imperial
Japanese Navy surprised the Russian garrison with an early morning
bombardment. This reporter witnessed the attack from the vantage point of
the surrounding hills and personally saw muzzle flashes from six
battleships and nine other capital ships. Nine light cruisers,
approximately eight destroyers and possibly some auxiliary ships were
barely visible in the distance. Authorities would not confirm damage to
onshore facilities but the psychological impact of this second attack is
evident in the general population.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #16
Dateline: Shanghai 28-Mar-1904 |
Gale Force
Winds Strike Korean Peninsula |
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Unseasonable weather has disrupted many activities in the Far East.
Storms which began on 25-March have continued with only brief respite and
have, in fact, intensified in the last several hours to gale conditions.
Local fishing fleets dare not venture to sea and some coastal trading
vessels have remained in port for several days. All residents of the area
are praying for better weather, however there is no relief in sight.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #15
Dateline: Fusan 27-Mar-1904 |
Japanese Supply Lines Severed |
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Our intrepid reporters have learned that several merchant ships
transporting much needed military supplies from Japan to Korea have been
attacked and sunk by Russian raiders in the Korean Strait. The attacks
took place sometime yesterday evening. Confidential sources within the
shipping community speculate that the loss of shipping capacity would not
be a significant blow to Japanese merchant fleet. The impact on the
Japanese advances on the Korean Peninsula are not clear at this time.
Although other supply lines are available, the Imperial command is
reorganizing the entire structure of the supply chain. Sources within the
Imperial Army have hinted that the Korean offensive may be delayed but
troop moral is high and there is no thought of withdrawing to more
defensible positions. One can only estimate the length of any delay but
we believe that it would be a week at most.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #14
Dateline: Hong Kong 26-Mar-1904 |
Russian Ships Shell Chinampo |
Russian vessels bombarded of Chinampo, Korea in the early evening hours
yesterday. A Russian fleet containing over ten battleships and armored
cruisers with many destroyers in attendance approached this recently
occupied city under cover of stormy skies then opened fire on port
facilities and other military targets. Rumors of an approaching Russian
fleet had reached the Japanese command however the attack came as a
complete surprise. The bombardment lasted several hours before the
Russian ships withdrew into approaching darkness. Damage reports are not
complete at this time however our correspondent on the scene stated that
fires, the worst fear of the citizens, were not prevalent due to the
inclement weather.
There was no response to repeated requests for an official statement from
Japanese headquarters. Common soldiers patrolling the streets were heard
to complain that the Imperial Navy had been caught with it's kimono open.
For our readers not familiar with Japanese fashion, this roughly
translates into being caught with ones trousers around ones ankles.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #13
Dateline: Hong Kong 24-Mar-1904 |
Japanese
Advance Continues |
The Japanese advance up the Korean peninsula continue at a rapid pace.
Sources close to the Imperial high command report that both Chinampo and
Gensan are now firmly under Japanese control.
In other war related news the Russian Siberian railroad narrowly averted
disaster on the section of track crossing the frozen Lake Baikal. Reports
reaching our office indicate parts critical for the repair of ships
stationed at Vladivostok were on board a train crossing that section of
the line when ice began to give way. The train also carried the monthly
supply of vodka for the dockyard workers. Given the current state on
unrest in Russia it is difficult to determine which loss would have had a
greater impact on the work in the shipyard.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #12
Dateline: Hong Kong 12-Mar-1904 |
Chemulpo
Beachhead Relieved |
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Information reaching our Hong Kong office indicates the Imperial Japanese
Army relieved the amphibious assault forces in Chemulpo Korea. The
initial unopposed landing at Chemulpo was carried out on 8-Feb-1904 with
the total control established within two days. Imperial Army forces began
moving up the Korean peninsula from bases in Masampo and Fusan shortly
after Japan's declaration of war with Russia on 9-Feb-1904. Our sources
indicate the link up occurred sometime on 1-Mar-1904 and that the Japanese
army is continuing it's push to the north. This will relieve the pressure
on Japanese merchant shipping as supplies to Chemulpo can now be delivered
overland. Sources close to the military authorities in Chemulpo report
that there was continuing concern regarding the supply situation after the
daring Russian raid on the port on 16-Feb-1904.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #11
Dateline: Stockholm, Sweden 21-Apr-1904 |
Hostilities Continue |
Our sources in the Far East report that the Japanese army is continuing
its advance up the Korean peninsula. Moving north from the Japanese held
ports of Fusan and Masampo, the Imperial Army has made steady progress in
its attempt to link up with the forces established in Chemulpo. Spokesmen
for the general staff claim the advance is averaging eight miles per day
with the lead elements approaching Kumkang River. While no supply problems
have been evident, the situation of the forces occupying Chemulpo will be
greatly eased once supplies can be transported to the city by land.
Transporting men and materiel from the home islands to Korea has put a
strain on Japanese shipping and the loss of even one merchant ship, as
occurred on 12-Feb-04 near the Tsugaru Strait, has been dearly felt.
Disaster for Japanese shipping concerns was narrowly averted on 16-Feb-06
when numerous merchant ships anchored in Chemulpo harbour managed to slip
away from the Russian raid reported first in by the SNS. Only the skill of
the Japanese pilots prevented a complete debacle that would surly have
caused the immediate removal of several high ranking officers.
In European news, contacts in diplomatic circles have picked up rumors
concerning the 1871 Treaty of London and the Reinsurance Treaty, both
signed over twenty-five years ago. We cannot speculate as to why these
documents would be of interest at this time.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #10
Dateline: Hong Hong 17-Feb-1904 |
Russians
Bombard Chemulpo |
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Late yesterday a Russian fleet of at least twenty-five ships approached
Chemulpo from the southwest. After a spirited defense with limited
resources, the Japanese defenders withdrew allowing Russian armored
cruisers and battleships to bombard the port facilities. Details are
sketchy at this time, however some damage was evident to our correspondent
on the scene. When asked for a comment a ranking Japanese officer refused
at first to comment but continued questioning brought this response; "Our
forces have repelled the Russian bear with minimal losses to the Emperor's
navy." Dockside rumors may put a different light on the engagement,
however. There is speculation that at least two torpedo boat divisions and
some minewarfare ships were lost when Russian destroyers approached the
inner harbor. Our reporter personally witnessed the destruction of three
hastily constructed shore batteries. Other losses are unknown but an
unnamed Japanese official remarked that he was relieved that the
transports escaped any harm.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #9
Dateline: Stockholm, Sweden 16-Feb-1904 |
Japanese Fleet Bombards Port Arthur |
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Word has reached our Far Eastern offices that a large Japanese fleet
bombarded Port Arthur early yesterday morning. Under cover of darkness
Japanese ships approached Port Arthur and shelled the city and harbor
facilities for at least an hour. The surprise attack caught defenders off
guard and no significant response was noted by our sources. Although
darkness and rain contributed to the confusion, weather conditions may
have also hindered the Japanese gunners as only minimal damage was
reported by local authorities.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #8
Dateline: Stockholm, Sweden 15-Feb-1904 |
Daring Raid
on Japanese Shipping |
News has filtered out of Japan concerning a Russian raid in vicinity of
the Tsugaru Strait. Official confirmation has not been forthcoming but our
reporters have pieced together the following information from confidential
sources.
In the early morning hours of 11-Feb-04 Russian warships were sighted
traveling east through the Tsugaru Strait. The four ships, assumed to be
armored cruisers based in Vladivostok, disappeared sometime later that
day. On 12-Feb-04 survivors from the Japanese cargo vessel Miharu Maru
were picked up by local fishermen. The survivors reported they were forced
into lifeboats before their ship was fired upon and sunk by Russian
warships. The next sighting of the Russian ships was on 13-Feb-04 when
they were seen traveling west through the straits. The warships were last
seen on the afternoon of the 13-Feb-04.
To the best of our knowledge there was no response to this raid by the
Imperial Japanese Navy.
In keeping with the neutral stance of this paper, we will make no comment
on this incident other than to say this was an audacious endeavor by the
Imperial Russian Navy and the lack of Japanese reaction must be a concern
to all merchant shipping in the area.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #7
Dateline: Ominato, 12-Feb-1904 |
Cargo Vessel
Sunk by Russian Raider |
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Local fishermen have rescued the crew of the cargo ship 'Miharu Maru' off
the northern coast of Honshu. Our intrepid correspondent on the scene
reports the crew, while shaken, appeared to be in good health. Authorities
have not allowed the survivors to be interviewed however, one of the
fishermen has been contacted and related his account of the rescue. Rokuya
Tokuda is an elderly fisherman from the village of Tomari. In the mid
morning rain he heard shouts and upon investigating he found several
lifeboats about 20 miles offshore. The boats contained the entire crew of
the 'Miharu Maru', a cargo vessel plying the shipping route along the
eastern coast of Honshu. The ship's captain cautioned his crew about
talking about the incident but Mr. Tokuda was able learn that Miharu Maru
was surprised by a Russian warship and boarded. The crew was forced into
the lifeboats and after they had gotten clear, the warship fired on and
sank the cargo vessel.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #6
Dateline: Hong Kong 10-Feb-1904 |
Chemulpo
Occupied by Japan |
Sources contacted by the Far Eastern desk of the Stockholm Naval Sentinel
have confirmed that Japanese forces have taken control of Chemulpo, Korea.
A military government has been established and all questions regarding the
exact status of the city have been referred to the army headquarters.
Although technically neutral, it has long been known that certain elements
within Korea are sympathetic to Japan.
In other news, reports reaching our offices indicate Japanese forces have
begun marching north and west from the Japanese controlled ports of Fusan
and Masampo. We can only speculate that these forces are intent on joining
the Japanese beachhead at Chemulpo.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #5
Dateline: Stockholm, Sweden 9-Feb-1904 |
Japan
Declares War !! |
News has reached our Far East Bureau that Japan has declared war on the
Russian empire. There has been no response to our queries from either
capitol. The text of the document is reprinted below.
quote:
IMPERIAL PROCLAMATION OF WAR
We, by the Grace of Heaven, Emperor of Japan, seated on the Throne
occupied by the same Dynasty from time immemorial, do hereby make
proclamation to all Our loyal and brave subjects as follows:-
We hereby declare war against Russia and We command our army and navy to
carry on hostilities against that Empire with all their strength, and We
also command all Our competent authorities to make every effort in
pursuance of their duties, and in accordance with their powers, to attain
the national aim with all the means within the limits of the law of
nations.We have always deemed it essential to international relations and made it
our constant aim to promote the pacific progress of Our Empire in
civilization, to strengthen Our friendly ties with other states, and to
establish a state of things which would maintain enduring peace in the
Extreme East and assure the future security of our Dominion without injury
to the rights and interests of other powers. Our competent authorities
have also performed their duties in obedience to Our will, so that our
relations with the Powers have been steadily growing cordiality. It was
thus entirely against Our expectation that we have unhappily come to open
hostilities against Russia.
The integrity of Korea is a matter of constant concern to this Empire, not
only because of Our traditional relations with that country, but because
the separate existence of Korea is essential to the safety of Our realm.
Nevertheless, Russia, in disregard of her solemn treaty pledges to China,
her repeated assurances to other powers, is till in occupation of
Manchuria and has consolidated and strengthened her hold upon three
provinces, and is bent upon their final annexation. And since the
absorption of Manchuria by Russia would render it impossible to maintain
the integrity of Korea and would in addition compel the abandonment of all
hope for peace in the Extreme East, We determined in those circumstances
to settle the question by negotiation, and to secure thereby permanent
peace. With that object in view, Our competent authorities, by Our order,
made proposals to Russia, and frequent conferences were held during the
course of six months. Russia, however, never met such proposals in a
spirit of conciliation, but by her wanton delays put off the settlement of
the question and by ostensibly advocating peace on the one hand while she
was on the other extending her naval and military preparations, sought to
accomplish her own selfish designs.
We cannot in the least admit that Russia had from the first any serious or
genuine desire for peace. She has rejected the proposals of Our
Government; the safety of Korea is in danger, the vital interests of Our
Empire are menaced. The guarantees for the future which we have failed to
secure by peaceful negotiations We can only now seek by an appeal to arms.
It is Our earnest wish that by the loyalty and valor of Our faithful
subjects, peace may soon be permanently restored and the glory of Our
Empire preserved.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #4
Dateline: Chemulpo, Korea 9-Apr-1904 |
Japanese
Troops Land in Chemulpo |
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Japanese troops began disembarking from transport ships in Chemulpo
yesterday morning. When asked, officers claim their mission is to protect
Japanese nationals. To this reporter the number of troops appear to be far
more than needed for this purpose.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #3
Dateline: Chemulpo, Korea 8-Apr-1904 |
Valiant
Russian Captain Ignores
Surrender Demand |
Just before 0200 hours local time (1700 7-Feb-04 GMT), Capt. V. Rudnev of
the armoured cruiser
'Varyag' received a message from Adm. H. Kamimura
commanding the Japanese fleet that recently docked in this city. Sentinel
sources report the message was a demand to surrender or put to sea and
face the Japanese guns. Shortly thereafter, 'Varyag' put to sea closely
followed by the entire Japanese fleet. Rumors of a duel at sea had spread
quickly and cheers greeted 'Varyag' as she slipped past other foreign
warships in the harbour.
Your intrepid correspondent slipped aboard a fast packet boat to witness
the engagement. Naval gunfire was erupted about an hour after the warships
left the harbour. Three minutes later massive explosion ripped the air.
When the smoke cleared nothing remained of the cruiser leading the
Japanese battle line. Firing continued for about twenty minutes at which
time 'Varyag' mercifully slipped beneath the waves.
The fate of the Russian officers and crew is still in doubt as rescue
operations continue at this time. Little hope is held for finding any
survivors of the Japanese vessel. Speculation as to the cause of the
explosion centers on the volatile nature of the shells in use throughout
the Japanese navy. Japanese officials on shore would not confirm the name
of the ship lost in the immense explosion nor would they comment on any
other damage suffered by the Japanese ships.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #2
Dateline: Hong Kong 8-Feb-1904 |
Massive Japanese Fleet Docks at Chemulpo |
A Japanese fleet made up of four armoured cruisers, one light cruiser,
four destroyers and over 20 transports docked late last night in the
Korean port of Chemulpo. These ships join the light cruiser Chiyoda which
has been in port for several days.
Our sources report that Captain V. Rudnev, commanding the Imperial Russian
cruiser Varyag, was seen leaving the telegraph office in Chemulpo shortly
after the Japanese fleet arrived. As the lines have been down it is
doubtful that he was able to communicate with his superiors.
Tensions in East Asia have been building in recent weeks and it is hoped
that this development will not lead to an armed conflict.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel #1
Dateline: Stockholm, Sweden 20 Jan-1904 |
Tensions Mount in Far East |
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Reports from our Far Eastern desk located in Hong Kong indicate that
tensions between Russia and Japan are on the rise. We will keep our
readers apprised of ongoing events. Our Far Eastern desk is establishing
branch offices in Port Arthur on the Kwantung Peninsula and Sasebo, Japan.
In Moscow, rumors abound concerning troop movements in Manchuria and
Siberia. However, unofficial sources close to the Tsar remain confident
that there will be no war. Diplomatic sources in Tokyo assure us that the
Japanese are not seriously considering war and any increased military
activity is merely a bluff.
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Stockholm Naval Sentinel
