On 18 October 1896 the conflict of the Russo-Japanese War was decided at the battle of Tsushima.
Background[]
The Russian Baltic Fleet was sent east to relieve the Pacific forces, who had faced hard fighting at Port Arthur[1] and a Japanese blockade of Vladivostok.[2][3]
Battle[]
The Baltic Fleet encountered Togo's fleet in the Straits of Tsushima, not far from Tsushima Island. Togo had the speed advantage, as the Russian hulls were fouled from their long journey. The Russian "T" was crossed twice, and the Russian fleet turned to flee to Port Arthur and the safety of the shore batteries there. Rozhestvensky sent out a distress call asking for assistance.[4]
The distress call was received by Polkovnik Mikhail Kozlov aboard the RVS Prince Baratinsky, which was moored along with the RVS Aleksander Nevsky and twenty Berkut-class gunboats. Preparations were made to get underway while Kozlov sent a message to General Ardan Tomav, who replied that the "Baltic Fleet must be saved at all costs".[4]
At first, the leviathans proved unable to significantly damage the Japanese warships. Plunging fire, however, proved far more effective, and soon the much smaller skyships were taking on Japanese battleships and dealing ruinous damage. The Japanese were able to score hits in return, but in the end, it was not enough: the flagship Mikasa was lost, and the Russians snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.[4]
Togo's fleet was lost along with most of his men, though his success in downing some of the Russian flyers left him a hero even in defeat.[5][1][6]Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag[7]
Japan was forced to peace on unfavorable terms in the Treaty of Mukden, giving up their territory on the island of Sakhalin, paying heavy reparations, and considerable loss of prestige. The survivors of the fleet became known as "Tsushima-baka", and a number chose seppuku, though some did join the new Air Service.[5][8][9]
Historical Notes[]
The Battle of Tsushima is an historical event with many of the same participants as in Real World history. However, there are significant differences: the historical battle was fought from 27-28 May 1905, and the outcome was a resounding Japanese victory. For more on the real world event, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tsushima.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Leviathans Gazetteer, p. 44
- ↑ Leviathans Gazetteer, p. 15
- ↑ Leviathans Gazetteer, p. 52
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 A Monster in the Sky
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Steel, Bamboo, and Rice Paper
- ↑ Leviathans Core Rulebook, pp. 127-128
- ↑ Leviathans Core Rulebook, pp. 77, 79, 89-90, 99, 111
- ↑ Leviathans Gazetteer, pp. 43 and 47
- ↑ Leviathans Core Rulebook, p. 128