Armored
ships
of
the
VLADIMIR V. ARBUZOV
world Issue I
"B 0 ROD I N 0"
class ar.mored ships
"Orel" anchored head and stern. She is moored on the Neva.
ARMORED SHIPS OF THE WORLD Vladimir V. Arbuzov
Issue I
class 'armored s hip s
"B 0 ROD I N 0"
Brief description, illustrated by photographs, figures, tables and archival drawings, of construction, service and participation in the naval warfare of excellent warships, built at the beginning of XX century.
Content 1. Construction of "Borodino" class armored ships . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. Far East cruise of the Second and Third Pacific squadrons
2 12
3. Chronology of events during the Tsushirna battle on May 14, 1905. . . . . . 23 4. Description of the Battle and Principal conclusions . . . . . . . .
34
5. Armored ship "OreI" in the battle
46
"INTERPOISK" Publishers St. Petersburg 1993
1.
CONSTRUCTION OF "BORODINO" CLASS ARMORED SHIPS
In 1898-1899 battleships·of "Borodino"class and arrange favourably her major and middlehad been still in process of development while all caliber guns - in turrets - while having relatithe principal elements of their future adversaries vely small displacement (12 900 t). The main task of the battleship of this type was - Japanese armorclads of "Shikishima" classhad been determined already, though not yet thought to be in the head of the squadron, when the decisive battle. is fought with a formidable detailed. In December 1898 heads of the Russian Naval enemy. It had been presumed, that this ship was to Department, after careful examination of various be intended for actions in a limited sea area, being armored ship projects by the Naval Technical supported by its rear bases. Because of it the stock Committee (NTS), made a choice of the French of fuel, capacity of reserve coal bunkers, supply of engineer A. Lagagne project, who was building food and drinking water, the stock of other "Tsesarewich" in Toulon at that time. The consumable materials were reduced to two-weeks armament of the developed ship was less for- norm, in order to strengthen the armor protection ~dable, being determined by NTS, than that of and gunnery of the ship as much as possible. The "Shikishima" (two 152-mm guns less); on the store boiler water was not included in the ship other hand, A. Lagagne managed to ensure the normal load at all, since high-effici ency desasafe protection of the ship against shells and mines linators were installed on the board.
FRENCH ARMORED SHIP "JAUREGUIBERRY·
_
This ship had been a prototype of the armored ship "Tsesarevich", built later for Russia. Launched in 1893, "Jaureguiberry" had been the typical example of high-board armored ship with gun turrets of the end of XIX century. Her main armament consisted of 2 305-mm guns (model of 1891 - with the length of barrel 45 calibers; 2 274-mm and 8138 mm-guns. Minor caliber guns included 4 65-mm and 12 37-mm guns. Main characteristics of the ship: displacement 11324t, length III ni, breadth 22 m and draft 8.2 m. Her sides were protected by 470 mm armored plates; 305 mm-gun turrets - by 370 mm armored plates, manufactured by Creusot. The speed of the ship was 18.1 kn.
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
The new armored ship, developed to be supported by safe bases, might be supported in the Baltic sea by Libau, Revel, Helsingfors and Kronstadt; in the Far East her actions should be limited by Vladivostok-Port Arthur area. On the base of the conceptual design and the specification of a French armorclad, D.V. Skvort:sov (who became later the chief shipbuilding engineer of the Petersburg port) developed the
ARMORED SHIP ..TSESAREVJCH'·
3
construction of the ship of normal displacement 13516 t to be built in the stone covered-in berth of the New Admiralty. The main machinery of this ship, which was named "Borodino", as the tradition was for fleet battleships, was to be manufactured by French-Russian plant in Petersburg; it was identical to the machinery of "Tsesarewich", rated for 16 300 h. p. power. Early in 1899 the principal alteration was
~
_
In opinion of Naval Technical Committee-of Russia, this ship would have been, after some modifications, the most appropriate prototype for five new-buildings, constituting the series of armored ships of "Borodino" class. This ship had been launched in shipyard Fondes et Chantiers in Toulon in 190I. Her main characteristics: deadweight 12912 t, length 118.5 m, breadth 23.2 m, draft 7.9 mm. Main armament: 4 305-mm guns with barrel length 40 calibers and 12 152-mm guns. Similarly to armored ship "Jaureguiberry", all guns were mounted in eight armorclad turrets. Besides, to repulse attacks of destroyers, 16 75-mm and 20 37-mm guns were provided. Two three-cylinder steam engines with total power 16300 hp allowed the ship to move with the speed 18 kn. Ship armor: the sides were protected with armored plates of thickness from 152 mm to 254 mm, the turrets - by 152-254 mm armored plates, the bridge - by 254 mm plates and deck - by armored plates from 38 to 69 mm. The principal aspect of novelty in armoring was the use of thinner, but stronger armored plates, manufactured on the base of new technology of German industrialist Krupp. "Tsesarevich" took part in two wars: first in the Russo-Japanese war, then in the First World War of 1914-1918. By night of 28 January of 1904, when Japanese destroyers attacked suddenly Port-Arthur, she was hit by torpedo. After repair the ship joined the fleet. 28th May, 1904 she went to Kiao-Chao, where disarmament took place. After October revolution of 1917 the ship changed her name to "Citizen", then in the beginning of 20 s she was scraped.
4
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
"Tsesarevich" on the Toulon roadstead. In some days she left together with the armored cruiser "Baian" for the Far East.
The fate of aprototype of the "Borodino" class battleship - the armored ships "Tsesarevich" was lucky enouph. She took part in two wars, fought in many battles, underwent severe trials, but survived and finished her life piecefully in Kronstadt.
made in the design; all the 75-mm guns were to be protected by armor plates,while the thickness of the main armor belt was decreased to 50.8 mm. When the Baltic plant received the order for building of the second armored ship of the-series, engineers of tne plant changed somewhat the ship's interior too. But the main distinction of "Emperor Alexander III", named after the father of Russian Emperor Nikolai II, from the first ship of the series was in her main machinery of 15 800 h. p., developed by engineers of the Baltic plant, and in the arrangement of the lower
armored deck. The lower armored deck of "Borodino" and "Tsesarewich"was curved downwards and connected with countermine armored bulkhead. The armored deck of the new ship was curved gradually to meet the lower edge of the armored shelf, thus allowing, in the NTS opinion, to improve ship's protection in case of shell hitting. The same arangement of the deck armor protection was accepted for the third ship of the series, "Orel", which was to be built in the shipyard on the Galerny I~land (engines and
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
5
BaLtic shipyard on JuLy 21, 1901. Shortly the first ship of the series, the armored ship "Emperor ALexander /If' wouLd be Launched.
. "Emperor ALexander /If' before Launching.
boilers were to be manufactured by Baltic plant), Russian military leader, and the eighth ship was as well for the seventh and eighth ships of the called "Slava" later. Launched on July 21, 1901, "Emperor series, ordered from the Baltic plant. After some hesitation, the decision was made to build these Alexander III" was ready for trials in the autumn two ships on the base of the "Emperor Alexander of 1902. However, the tests and trials were III" drawings. Originally planned reinforcement postponed, because some systems, armor proof their armament was sacrificed for the sake of tection and armament were not ready besause of uniformity and necessity to observe too hastily sluggishness of main offices of the Naval Departconcluded contracts on delivery of turret mo- ment. Both the building and tests of "Emperor untings. In 1900 the seventh of the series was named "Prince Suvorov" in the memory of Alexander III" were accompanied by a number of centenary of the death of Suvorov, the famous dramatic events. Early in 1900 her model, manu-
6
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
Armored ship "Borodino" - last rrdnutes on the building ways.
Armored ship "Slava" in the covered-in berth of the Baltic shipyard.
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
7
"Borodino" is launched.
factured to be demonstrated to the generaladmiral, was burnt in a shop; during the launching of. the ship the flagstuff with the Emperor's standard fell down from the roof of covered-in berth, causing some deaths; when the ship was set in the Alexandrovski dockyard in Kronstadt, her keel and floors were damaged; shop tests of the engines caused the dangerous list when sharp turning was performed. Part of these events may be explained by sheer chance, the others were caused by lack of experience of the building of such a large ship. Defects were to be repaired., In the autumn of 1903 during the performance trials the speed of "Emperor Alexander III" reached 17,6 kn under natural thrust and engine power 16265 h. p. At that time the first ship of the series, "Borodino" was still in Petersburg, without guns, with part of armor yet missing. The readiness of "Orel" and "Prince Suvorov", both launched in 1902, was less by 1-2 month. Meanwhile the Far East situation became worse day by day.
The Russo-Japanese war began suddenly, without any declaration of hostilities. At night Jnuary 27, 1904 Japanese destroyers launched the sudden attack against ships of the Pacific Squadron of the Russian fleet, anchored on the outer roadstead of Port Arthur. In result of this attack, the fleet armored ships "Retvizan", "Tsesarewich" and cruiser "Pallada" were struck by torpedoes and disabled for a long time. The decision to speed up the works in the Baltic shipyard and complete building of the ships in the middle of 1904 was made on February 17, 1904, when actions were expanded already. But a true rush job began in April. After death of S. O. Makarov near Port Arthur the inevitability and the urgency of equipping of the Second Pacific Squadron became obvious. The head of the Baltic shipyard, S. K. Ratnik suggested to prepare the fifth armored ship of the series"Slava"- for the campaign in the autumn 1904 too. This ship had been launched in August 1903. However, rear-admiral Z. P. Rozhestvenski, who
8
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
September 12, 1902. The hull of the armored ship "Prince Suvorov" after being launched.
CAUSES OF RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR
_
As the result of the defeat of China in 1894-1895 war, Japan, striving to strengthen its positions in the Asia after successful seizure of Korea, demanded from China to cede to it a part of the Quantung peninsula with Port-Arthur harbour. In April 1895 the treaty was concluded between Japan and China. By virtue of this treaty Japan received a part of China territory and Korea territory, what allowed it to pursuit later the policy, leading to seizure all the territory of these two countries. But Russia, backed by Germany and Franse, troubled by this prospects, demanded from Japan to relinguish to China the seized part of the Liaotung peninsula. This demand was supported by sending to the Far east seas an united squadron of ships of these three powers. Japan was compelled to submit. In 1896 Russia concluded with China an agreement on construction of the East-Chinese railway. On March 27, 1898 China granted the Liaotung peninsula to Russia by lease for 25 years, to~ether with harbours Port-Arthur and Dalny (Talien). When Russia obtained these ice-free harbours, it commenced to construct there mighty naval bases, thus arousing strong opposition in Japan, that began preparations for a new war. January 30, 1902 an agreement was concluded between England and Japan, by virtue of which England assumed obligations to render economic support to Japan, including the building of combat ships. During 1903 the relations between Russia and Japan became extremely tense, and after the negotiations were broken off in August, the war seemed inevitable.
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
"Orel' anchored head and stern. She is moored on the Neva.
"Prince Suvorov" in moment of launching.
9
10
Armored ship "Borodino". Mounting of 305-mm gun in the fore gun turret.
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
Armored ship "Borodino" placed in the Kronstadt do~k.
was appointed the commander of the Squadron, On the contrary, machinery of "Suvorov" and didn't support this rational idea, because he "Orel", manufactured on the Baltic plant, showed thought the estimated time of the squadron an excellent performance from the very departure for the Far East too optimistic. The beginning. Engines and boilers of both ships were squadron left Libau on October 2, and only on approved on account of the shop tests. The speed October 30 "Slava", on the board of which all the of "Orel" reached 17.8 kn, but the ship, damaged works were delayed till the autumn, proceeded in the result of wreck in Kronstadt harbour, wasn't under her own power to Kronstadt after her basin ready for a trip until September. She overtook the Squadron in Revel (now Tallinn) . trials were completed. The building of "Borodino" and "Suvorov" When the building of the ships was completed, was completed for the most part in August 1904. the constructive overloading of all the ships of But the ships didn't undergo all the obligatory "Borodino"c1ass was revealed; for "Orel" it was tests. When the shop tests of the first ship engines 635 t. Actual normal displacement was of the order were carried out, some defects of assembly were 14 2001. In the world shipbuilding of that time the revealed, which didn't allow "Borodino" to move constructive overloading was a rule rather than an with the speed more than 16,5 kn.Just during the exception. For instance, the Japanese armorc1ad trip the personnel of the engine-room, headed by "Shikishima", built in England, had 510 t overmarine engineers V. S. Ryabinin and V. A.Obnor- load, "Mikasa" - 782 t overload. However, the situation of the four ships of "Borodino"c1ass was ski, put the engines in service properly.
11
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
Armored ship "Borodino" completed in Kronstadt.
aggravated by loading the ships with huge quantities of additional supply, taking into account all, that may be needed during the long trip. The additional stock included coal supply, boiler water, oil supply, 152- and 75-mm shells (20% of complete extra) etc. Before "Borodino" left Revel, her displacement was 15275 t, her draft was 8.9 m instead of design value 7.9 m, her main armor belt was under water. At the same time her initial metacentric height decreased to 0.76 m compared with design value 1.22 m.
When their attempts of empirical definition of ship's stability had failed, the heads of NTC insisted, that official warning was to be sent to Z. P. Rozhestvenski as to precautionary measures during the passage and impossibility of any additional charging of compartments above the waterline. But the commander of the squadron continued to replenish coal supplies during the trip, so the ships left Madagascar for the Indian Ocean, having displacement about 16 800 1. Nowever, they demonstrated excellent seakeeping characteristics in a gale not long before.
Mass, t, %
Component loads "Shikishima"
"Mikasa"
Hull with equipment and supplies
6078; 42.1
6435; 44.8
5261; 39.0
Engines and boilers ~th water
1243; 8.6
1392; 9.7
1635; 12.1
Armor
4614; 32.0
4097; 28.5
3554.8; 26.3
Armament and ammunition
1612; 11.2
1550; 10.8
1761.1; 13.0
Coal (normal supply)
700; 4.8
700; 4.9
787.2; 5.8
Crew with luggage and foodstuffs
184; 1.3
184; 1.3
273.6; 2.0
Reserve
deadwei~ht
No
-
"Borodino"
242.7' 1.8
Total deadwei~ht (normal design value) 14431' 100 14358' 100 13516' 100 Actual normal deadweiJ!;ht. t Full capacity of coal bunkers, t
14941
15140
1722
1521
14200 1235,
KINDS OF LOAD OF ARMORED SHIPS "SHIKISIDMA", "MIKASA" AND "BORODINO" CL. (in accordance with designs of 1897 and 1899)
2. FAR FAST CRUISE OF THE CECOND AND THIRD PACIFIC SQUADRONS
Armored ships "Prince Suvorov".
April 6, 1904. Russian government decided to building of new ships, included in the Second send to the Far East the Second Pacific squadron, Pacific squadron, the works had been organized formed of all the battle-worthy warships of the during day and night, in three shifts. Baltic fleet and newbuildings, that should be Simultaneously the General Naval staff started available in September of 1904, in order to to complete the screw for new warships. The support the First Pacific (Port-Arthur) squadron. available personnel of the ships of the Baltic fleet Rear-admiral Z. P. Rozhestvenski, the former Cief had been inadequate to man new ships, because of of General Naval Staff of Russia was appointed this the screw of four new armored ships of "Borodino" class as well as of cruisers and destthe Commander-in-Chief of the squadron. May-September. In order to speed up the royers was formed to a great extent of recruits of
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
13
1904 and reserve specialists, called up for the the fleet armored ship "Prince Suvorov", lying on military service in the beginning of the war. The the Great Kronstadt roads. latter constituted the third part of the total manAugust 29. Passing of the Second Pacific ning of the Second Pacific squadron. Since the squadron, consisting of fleet armored ships complement of officers in the Navy hadn't been "Prince Suvorov" (command ship), "Emperor adequate too, the officer vacancies on the ships of Alexander III", "Borodino", "Osl'abia", "Sisoi the squadron were filled frequently with called up Veliki", "Navarin", "Orel"; cruisers "Admiral from reserve and newly promoted midshipmen, Nakhimov", "Avrora", "Dmitri Donskoi", "Svetassistant marine engineers and reserve ensigns lana", "Almaz" and destroyers "Bedovy", "Blesfrom the merchant marine.The newly completed tiashchi", "Bezuprechny", Bodry", "Buiny", crews of the ships hadn't any time for normal "Bystry", "Bravy", from Kronstadt to Revel, training on the board of their ships, because these where they came August 30. ships should have been tasted after manufacturing September-October. The supplementary process, and various tests and trials of the ships detachment of the Second Pacific squadron was
Armored ship "Emperor Alexander IIf'.
and their equipment, namely, various tests of hull, formed of ships, which weren't finished, when the boiler test, tests of mechanisms, test of guns and so squadron left for Revel, and should have joined on lasted too long to leave any time for training of the squadron later.This detachment under compersonnel. Battle training of the personnel was put mand of captain Dobrotvorski included cruisers off till the time of the ship cruise to the Far East, "Oleg" and "Izumrud", desroyers "Gromki", that would have taken no less than 5-6 months. "Grozny", "Pronzitelny" and "Rezvy" and auxiAugust 1. The colours of the Comman- liary cruisers "Rion" and "Dnepr". der-in-Chief of the Second Pacific squadron, September 29. The Second Pacific squadron, rear-admiral Z. P. Rozhestvenski were made on consisting of fleet armored ships "Prince Suvo- ,
14
rov", "Emperor Alexander III", "Borodino", "Orel", "Osl'abia", "Sisoi Veliki" and "Navarin"; cruisers "Admiral Nakhimov", "Avrora" , "Svetlana" ,,,Zhemchug", "Almaz", "Dmitri Donskoi", destroyers "Bedovy", "Blestiashchi", "Bezuprechny", "Bystry", "Buiny", "Bravy", ,.Bodry", "Prozorlivy"; battle damage repair ship "Kam- chatka" and transport ship "Anadyr''', came from Revel to Libau. October 2. The Second Pacific squadron left Libau and began its Far East route in full complement, accompanied by transport ships "Kitai", "Korea", "Prince Gorchakow", steamer "Meteor" and rescue ship "Rus'''.
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
Political secret service established by Russian government informed vice-admiral Rozhestvenski and the Naval staff, that Japanese agents were preparing diversions against the squadron, that might happen everywhere after the squadron left the Baltic Sea and that in the region of the Norvegian skerries and Danish straits some torpedo-boats and warships of unindentified nationality were seen, which were moving by night with no identification lights. The commanders ordered to keep watch vigilantly and take additive measures for ships protection when mooring and at sea. October 9. At 21 at night in the North Sea
Armored ship "Borodino".
October 4-7. The squadron had come October 4 to Langeland island and the ships went into anchors. After the heavy gale, raging here, settled down, the coal was loaded, then the' ships went through .Great Belt to Skagen and went there into anchors October 7. October 7. Divided into 6 detachments, the squadron left from Skagen and went through the North Sea and the English Channel.
vice-admiral Rozhestvenski received a number of radio messages from the repair ship "Kamchatka", that had failed to keepup with its detachment of the cruisers because of failure of one of its engines; they reported about this ship's being attacked by torpedo-boats near Skagerrak. As it was reported later, in the darkness the crew of "Kamchatka" took a group of Norvegian fishing boats for enemy boats and fired at them.
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
15
October 1O. "Hull incident", When reaching ships under command of vice-admiral Rozhestabout midnight the Dogger Bank, the detachment venski went through the English Channel and in of the new armored ships under command of the morning of October 13 entered the Spanish vice-admiral Rozhestvenski met there the great port Vigo to replenish the coal supplies. October 10-15: .The incident on the Dogger amount of fishing boats f.1uddled together, and the warships had to go through them. Being in Bank resulted in aggravation of relations with nervous expectation of an attack (after the mes- England. British naval forces, stationed in ports of sages about imaginary attack at "Kamchatka"), the the British empire and in the Mediterranean Sea, mariners took two small English fishing steamers, were hastily drawn up to the Gibraltar, the navy crossing the way of "Prince Suvorov", for enemy reserve was called up and cruise detachments were ships and fired at them and neighbour ships, sent to patrol the route of the Second Pacific lighting them by their search lights. The incident squadron. Summit talks were urgently needed. began at 0.55 at night, the gunfire was stopped in The talks resulted in the Russian government 10 minutes, but the results were disastrous: one of consent to imdemnify the victims for losses and
Armored ship "Ore!'.
the English fishing boats was sunk, four others were seriously damageci., some men of their crews were killed or wounded. Some shells hit the cruiser "Avrora", which was on the traverse of the detachment; on the board a clergyman was killed and a seaman gunner wounded. October 13. Continuing its movement after the Hull incident, the detachment of the new armored
pay compensation to the wounded and to families of the killed. October 15 both governments agreed to charge an international committee of inquiry with investigation of circumstances of the incident. October 16-26. The detachments of the Second Pacific squadron met in Tangier; there they were joined by the hospital ship "Orel" and the refrigerator ship "Esperance" (under the flag of France). In accordance with the planned route,
16
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
The squadron during the Emperor s inspection on September 26, 1904 on the Revel roadstead.
Nikolai II with his attendants on the board of "SuYoroY".
two detachments of destroyers and the detach- royers left Tangier, October 24 it was· followed by ment, consisting of the fleet annored ships "Sisoi the detachment under command of rear-admiral Veliki" (command ship) and "Navarin" and Felkersam and October 26 - by the detachment cruisers "Svetlana", "Zhemchug"and "Almaz", under command of vice-admiral Rozhestvenski, under command of rear-admiral Felkersam, had to consisting of the fleet armored ships "Prince go to Madagascar, where all the ships of the Suvorov" (command ship), "Emperor Alexander squadron should have met, through the Medi- III", Borodino", "Orel", "Osl'abia"; cruisers terranean Sea and the Suez Canal, while the rest "Admiral Nakhimov", (command ship of of the squadron ships having too great a draft to rear-admiral Enquist), "Avrora", and "Dmitri pass through the Suez Canal, should have go Donskoi", repair ship "Kamchatka" transport ships "Anadyr", "Meteor", "Korea", "Malaya" around the Africa. October 16 the first detachment of the dest- and hospital ship "Orel".
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
The flagship of the squadron, the armored ship "Prince Suvorov" decorated with flags, when waiting for the visit of the Emperor.
Emperor Nikolai II visiting the armored ship "Borodino".
17
18
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
The squadron before Leaving for the Far East.
The movement of the squadron was observed December. The Russian government decided at a distance from cruisers of the British Navy as to form the Third squadron under command of rear-admiral Nebogatov, which was planned to far as Canari Islands. October 30 - November 3. Mooring of the include all the battle-worthy ships of the Baltic squadron ships under command of vice-admiral fleet, in order to provide support for the Second Rozhestvenski in Dakar to replenish the coal Pacific squadron. December 16, 1904 - February 12, 1905. supplies. November 13-18. Mooring of the squadron The international committee of inquiry, .including ships under command of Rozhestvenski in representatives of Russia, England, France, USA and Austria, investigated the circumstances of the Gaboon to replenish the coal supply. November 23-24. Mooring of the squadron "Hull incident". The incident was settled up by an agreement ships in the Great Fish Bay to replenish the coal with England; in accordance with it Russia was and victuals supplies. November 28-December 4. Mooring of the bound to pay 65 000 pounds sterling to imdemnify squadron ships under command of Rozhestvenski for losses and pay compensation to injured fishers in Angra-· Peckvena to replenish the coal and of Hull. The document,confirming the settlement of all the claims pertinent to this accident was victuals supplies. December 4-16. The squadron under com- handed over to the Russian government. December 16. When the squadron under mand of vice-admiral Rozhestvenski left AngraPeckvena, went round the Cape of Good Hope command of Rozhestvenski came to Madagascar, and then to Madagascar. In the Indian Ocean the the news reached them about the Port-Arthur squadron run into heavy weather. December 7, 8 squadron having been sunk after Japanese troops and 9 ocean waves of height up to 12 mand length had took the Vysokaja mountain. December 16, 1904 - March 3, 1905. The up to 100 m caused the armored ships to roll and Second Pacific squadron lay in Madagascar. pitch up to 12-20° and cruisers - up to 30-40°. December 20. Vice-admiral Rozhestvenski All the ships survived this gale notwithstanreceived a message from the Admiralty about the ding their being overloaded with coal.
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
19
The squadron in the Atlantic Ocean.
When the squadron was on its route already, the fifth ship of the series, the armored ship "Slava" was still in the Kronstadt dockyard. She seemed to avoid the fate of her sister ships at the very beginning, but twelve years later she would be sunk too.
Mounting of armored plates on the board of "Slava".
Third Pacific squadron under command of rear-admiral Nebogatov being ready to be sent to support the Second squadron; the Third squadron was reported to include the armored ship "Nikolai I", the armored ships of coast defence "Admiral Ushakov", "Admiral "Seniavin" and "General-admiral Apraksin", cruisers "Vladimir Monomakh" and "Rus'" and the hospital ship "Kostroma". December 27. The squadron of vice-admiral Rozhestvenski was joined by the detachment of
rear-admiral Felkersam in Nosi--be, Madagascar. The detachment of Felkersam came to Nosi-be December 15, 1904. January 12, 1905. In reply to suggestion of vice-admiral Rozhestvenski, that after seizure of Port-Artur and the loss of the First Pacific squadron the urgent strategic objective of the Second Pacific squadron should be the breakthrough to Vladivostok of the whole squadron or even some of its ships, Nicolas II sent a directive, that the task of the Second Pacific squadron
20
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
The squadron left the bay Nosi-Be ( Madagascar).
----
--
"consists not in the break-through of some ships to Vladivostok , but in taking the control over the Japan Sea". But the available forces of the squadron were thought to be inadequate for carrying-out of this task, and because of this Rozhestvenski was ordered to await arrival of the detachment under command of captain Dobrotvorski in Madagascar, then go together in the Indian Ocean to be joined by the squadron of Nebogatov, which had left already for the Far East. February I. The detachment of Dobrovorski (cruisers "Oleg" and "Izumrud", auxiliary cruisers "Rion" and "Dnepr", destroyers "Gromki" and
Ships coming to anchor. In the foreground destroyer "Blestiashcht'.
"Grozny") came to Madagascar and joined the Second Pacific squadron. February 3 - April 26. The squadron of Nebogatov left Libau and following the route Libau-Skagcn-the English Channel-the Atlantic Ocean-the Gibraltar-the Mediterranean SeaSuda-Port Said-the Suez Canal-Djibouti-the Gulf of Aden-the Bay of Myrbat-the Indian Ocean-the Strait of Malacca-the Bay of Kamrang-the Bay of Van Fong came to the Bay of Van Fong, where joined the Second Pacific squadron. February 26. The transport ship "Irtysh" has come from Russia to Madagascar to replenish the coal supply of the Second Pacific squadron.
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
21
Coal loading when being in the ocean.
Vice-admiral Rozhestvenski was greatly twice, that was the whole bat1le training they have disappointed: "Irtysh" brought neither victuals got. nor awaited second complete set of ammunition, March 3. The Second Pacific squadron left needed for firing practice in the course of crew Nosi-be to follow its route to the Far East. training. So the whole plan of training of the March 31. The Second Pacific squadron came squadron was frustrated, for, having only one to the Bay of Kamrang (in the South China Sea). complete set of ammunition, the admiral couldn't The length of the warships route round the Africa allow to spend for the firing practice more than was equal to 16600 miles, in average 180 miles a 20% of available ammunition. In the result the day, when the speed was 7.5 kn. The ships passed warships of the squadron had only four fire from Madagascar to Kamrang (4560 miles) for exercises when they had been in Madagascar; 28 days. crew of some ships' practized fire only once or April 25. The third squadron under command
22
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
On the "Oref' forecastle. Ina few days the battle would be fought.
of rear-admiral Nebogatov, consisting of the armored ship "Nikolai II", the armored ships of coast guard General-admiral Apraksin", "Admiral Seniavin", "Admiral Ushakov", cruiser "Vladimir Monomakh", the transport ships "Livonia", "Kouronia", "Xenia" and "Swir'" and the hospital ship "Kostroma", joined the Second Pacific squadron in the Bay of Van Fong. May 10. The last replenishment of coal supplies on the ships of the Second squadron before Tsushima battle. It must be noted, that some ships were overloaded with coal, especially tI
all the armored ships; in the result the armored belt on board of the coast guard armored ships was under water. May 10. After long disease the second flagofficer of the Second squadron, rear-admiral Felkersam died on board of his flagship "Osl'abia". His colours continued to be made on the ship, and nobody was appointed in his stead, because his death wasn't reported to the squadron. In accordance with the order of vice-admiral Rozhestvenski, the duties of the second flag-officer were entrusted to captain Ber.
Cold waters of the Tsushima strait are ahead of them.
3. CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS DURING TSUSHIMA BATTLE ON MAY 14, 1905 May 12. Since evening of this day radio ships"Anadyr'", "Irtysh" , "Kamchatka", "Korea"; stations of the squadron began to receive radio towing steamers "Rus'" and "Swir'" and hospital communications of Japanese fleet. The captain of ships "Orel" and "Kostroma". the cruiser "Ural", having powerfull radio station, The squadron was moving in the march order asked for permission to bring disturbances to of two battle-ship columns, line ahead, the wireless communication, but Rozhestvenski transport ships between them, guarded from both forbade, preferring to keep the squadron undet- sides by the first and second destroyer divisions. Their speed was 8 kn. The squadron was followed ected by enemy's scout vessels. May 13. The Second squadron, moving to the by two hospital ships "OreI" and "Kostroma". May 14. 4.28 a.m. The Second squadron, Korean strait, was engaged from 9 a.m. to 0.30 p. m. and from 2.30 p. m. to 4.30 p. m. in evolutions, in which ships of the 'squadron under rear-admiral Nebogatov took part for the first time since " _n _ . :. ""'.... they joined the Second squadron. ~: ;:~·;:.n ".. " ..__:. At 4.40 p. m. vice-admiral .,.. ..,:,."".,... .. Rozhestvenski made the signal "be :~: ~~ll t:: ::;=.:~. ready for the battle". At lOp. m. the squadron passed the Kelpart island and approached the external patrol line of Japanese auxiliary cruisers, where they were sighted ..•. by the Japanese auxiliary cruiser "Shinano-maru" at daybreak. Before the battle the squadron consisted of: fleet armored ships "Prince Suvorov", flagship of viceadmiral Rozhestvenski, "Emperor Alexander III", "Borodino", "Orel", "Osl'abia", flagship. of late rearadmiral Felkersam, "Sisoi Veliki", "Nikolai I", flagship of rear-admiral Nebogatov; armored ships of coast defence "General-admiral Apraksin", "Admiral Seniavin" , "Admiral Ushakov"; armored cruiser "Admiral Nakhimov"; cruisers "Oleg", flagship of rear-admiral Enquist, "Avrora", "Dmitri Donskoi", "Vladimir Monomakh", "Svetlana", "Izumrud", "Zhemchug", "Almaz", auxliary cruiser "Ural"; destroyers: the first division - "Bedovy", "Bystry", "Buiny," 1. I I I '.1 ; I I I , I t 1,,;. "Bravy"; the second division "Gromki", "Grozny", "Blestiashchi", ~Bezuprechny", "Bodry"; transport :' •
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24
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
Cross-sectional view of the ship near the fore bridge. 30 th frame.
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moving with blackout lights towards the Korean strait, the hospital ships "Orel" and "Kostroma" following it with their lights up, was sighted by one of Japanese auxiliary cruisers, "Shinanomaru", that was patrolling between the islands Kelpart and Shirose. Having caught sight of lighs of one of the hospital ships, the cruiser "Shinanomaru" approached to identify it and at 4.28 a.m. discovered the Second squadron, moving ahead of the hospital ships, and reported of it to the commander-in-chief of the Japanese fleet admiral
Togo, who was stationed with main forces in Mozanpo, getting into radio communication with him. From this moment the Japanese headquarters were informed in details about ships of the squadron, their order, course, speed all the time. At dawn it was cloudy, but after sunrise the suhbeams dispersed the haze. The horizon range was 6-7 miles. At SSW wind force 3-4 the swell was from N. About 8 a. m. to the right from the squadron the silhouette of the Japanese armored cruiser "Izumo" was deteCted, that from 6.18 a. m.
25
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was observing the movement of the Russia fleet, the armored ship "Orel" fired the cruiser "Kassataking place of "Shinano-maru". gi". The rest of the armored ships opened fire too. 7 a. m. Vice-admiral Rozhestvenski made the After the Rozhestvenski's signal, saying "Spare signal to the reconnaissance detachment, inclu- shells", the fire was stopped. . ding the cruisers "Svetlana", "Almaz" and "Ural", At 0.05 p. m. on the signal of Rozhestvenski which took 5 cables lead over the squadron, the squadron s.et the NO 23° course, making for ordering them to go to the column end in order to Vladivostok. safeguard the transport ships. 0.20 p. m. Taking into account the possible 9 a. m. On signal of Rozhestvenski, the fast arrival of main forces of the enemy and armored ships of the first and second detachments intending to mislead the Japanese headquarters as took place ahead of the third detachment
26
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
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rangement as useless, and the armored ships remained in the line ahead. But for some time the Russian main forces couldn't return to the former order and were proceeding on their route in two columns. 1.40 p. m. Three points ahead of the Second squ'adron, main forces of the Japanese fleet appeared with the purpose to cross its course to the . left; they consisted of two divisions of armored ships; the first division included fleet armored ships "Mikasa" , fla'gship of admiral Togo, "Fuji", "Shikishima" and" Asahi" and armored cruisers "Nisshin" 'and "Kasuga" , the second division included armored cruisers "Izumo", flagship of vice-admiral Kamimura, "Asama", "Tokiva", "Azuma", "Yakumo" and "Iwate". 1.49 p. m. Beginning of the battle. Having crossed the course of the Second squadron to the left, the main forces of the Japan Navy headed for the opposite course after turning in succession, in order to surround the head of the Russian'squadron, which; making use of passing of all the enemy's ships through one steady point while turning in succession, opened fire: the ships of the first and second detachments shelled enemy's ships at the distance 38 cables from the head ship
of the squadron - "Prince Suvorov". The speed of Russian ships was 9 kn, the speed of main fleet of Japan - 16 kn. 2 p. m. The Russian hospital ships "Orel" and "Kostroma", moving behind the Second squadron, were captured by the Japan auxiliary cruisers "Manzu-maru", and "Sado-maru", respectively, thus depriving Russian seamen of any medical help in case, they would be wounded. 2.05 p. m. To prevent surrounding of the head of the Russian squadron, being the purpose of this maneuvere - heading for the opposite course of the Japanese ships, Rozhestvenski ordered Jhe squadron to tum right two points, and in the result both fleets set parallel courses; Japanese ships concentrated fierce fire on the Russian flagship. "Prince Suvorov" was the objest of heavy firing from four Japanese fleet armored ships, "Osl'abia" - from all enemy's armored cruisers. 2.20 p. m. The battle between the main forces. Japanese gunners found precisely the range for the first ten minutes of the battle and shelled effectively both the Russian flagships. About 2.20 p. m. "Osl'abia", having several shot-holes in the underwater part of her hull on bow, with 12 list to port and fire in her middle parts, left the line 0
27
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
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and went to the right, but 30 minutes after, being attacks of minor enemy's forces till she sank. 2.30 p. m. - 4.50 p. m. After the armored unable to stop the water, flowing inside the hull through holes, capsized and sank. The destroyers ship "Osl'abia" sank and the flagship "Prince Su"Bravy", "Buiny", "Bystry" and towing steamer vorov" left the line, the Second squadron leaded "Swir''', that rushed to help her, saved some by the fleet armored ships "Emperor Alexander III" and "Borodino", still heading for Vladiofficers and a half of her crew. 2.26. p. m. The fleet armored ship "Prince vostok, fought the battle with main forces of the Suvorov", with her middle part enveloped in enemy.Directing concentrated fire against both flames, masts down and demolished stern turret, Russian leading ships and using to advantage their lost her steerability because of the damaged rudder superiority in the speed by 6-7 kn, Japanese system and left the line, turning right 16 points. At ships tried to surround the head of the squadron in this time Rozhestvenski was already wounded in order to prevent its break-through northwards. In the head and lost consciousness from time to time. the result of several hittings, causing fires and Further on the ship couldn't take part in the battle shot-holes in underwater parts of ship hulls, both because of her severe damages; she was moving head armored ships were compelled to leave the autonomously, trying to fight fires and repulsing line.
28
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
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3.05 p. m. - 3.40 p. m. The mist thickened, which clouded the field of the battle, and the adversaries were compelled to stop fighting for 35 min. The Russian squadron, that had deviated somewhat southwards, headed again northwards after most serious damages of the head ships had been repaired, while the armored ships "Emperor Alexander III" and "Borodino", that had left the line before, were put again in the head of the column. During the time before the battle the flagship of admiral Togo "Mikasa" was hit by ten large-caliber shells, but there were no severe damages. 3.15 p. m. The division of armored cruisers under rear-admiral Kamimura, while moving in the mist, met the fleet armored ship "Prince Suvorov", moving autonomously, enveloped in flames and smoke, and fired at it from the distance 10 cables; the cruiser "Yakumo" got away a torpedo. After it the dispatch ship "Chihaya" and four destroyers attacked "Prince Suvorov" at the distance 2-~.5 cables, making ten ineffective torpedo shots. The Russian armored ship, defending herself only by fire of the rest of aft minorcaliber guns, damaged the dispatch ship "Chiha-
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ya", hit near the waterline. The destroyer "Shirakumo" took two hits. 3.40 p. m. - 4.20 p. m. After the mist has cleared away, the fight was resumed. Approaching the Russian squadron, that headed for NO, to the distance 27 cables, both Japanese divisions opened fire trying again to surround the .squadron head. In the result of fierce fire the leading ships "Emperor Alexander III" and "Borodino" were compelled to deviate southwards through Ost; in this phase of the battle till 4.20 p. m. most severe damages were inflicted on two ships: the armored ship "Sisoi Veliki" was enveloped in flames, leit the line and then took the place in the end of the column, and the armored ship "Orel" got several hittings of large-caliber shells; her captain was killed, many members of her crew were killed or wounded. When surrounding the head of the column, the armored ship "Mikasa" approached at the distance 10 cables and got away a torpedo at 4.06 p. m., which missed the target. 4.20 p. m. Because of a new attempt of Japanese ships to surround the head of the column of the Russian ships, the latter were compelled to deviate to the right, to Ost, in order to take away
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30
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
the head ships from a new attack and give opportunity for the ships in the end of the column to use their guns; the Russian headquarters intended to head later southwards to avoid a new surrounding. The mist drew thick again, thus interrupting the main operations till 4.50 p. m. On their new course the main Russian forces met at 4.40 p. m. the detachment of their transport ships and cruisers, fighting with Japanese cruisers, which were attacking then from the south. The armored ships chased Japanese ships away by large-caliber gun-fire, thus allowing th~ transport ships and cruisers to join the column. About 4.30 p. m. Second attack of four Japanese destroyers of fourth division of fighters against the armored ship "Prince Suvorov" from the distance 3-1.5 cables. Four torpedoes, launched by them, missed the target. The ship had only one undamaged 75-mm gun to defend herself. The Russian squadron approached the ship and helped by gun-fire to repulse the attack; the destroyer"Asagiri" took shell-hits. About 5 p. m. The Russin main forses, with the armored ships "Emperor Alexander III" and "Borodino" at the head, joined by the cruisers and the rest of the transport ships, set on the course NO 23° northwards. The first Japanese division under admiral Togo discovered the Russian squadron moving northwards and set parallel course, then in a half an hour started the fight from the distance 30-32 cables, concentrating fierce fire on the head armored ship "Borodino". Taking several direct hits ship was enveloped in flames, the smoke hampered the precise laying, so the gun-fire was concentrated then on the second ship in the head of the column - the armored ship "Orel". 5.30 p. m.-8.00 p. m. The second squadron, keeping the course NO-23°, with the armored ship
"Borodino" at the head, was fighting the main forces of the Japanese fleet, moving on the starboard beam, which concentrated heavy fire on the leading ships of the squadron, armored ships "Borodino", "Emperor Alexander III" and "Orel". All these ships took multiple shell hits, causing fire and shot-holes in the underwater hull; two of them took list. The speed of Russion ships was 9 kn, the speed of Japanese ships - 15-16 kn. About 6 p. m. The destroyer "Buiny" caught sight of the fleet armored ship "Prince Suvorov" all in -flames, approached her weather board and took on wounded vice-admiral Rozhestvenski, his flag-captain and 15 officers of the naval staff. After pushing off from "Suvorov", "Buiny" signalled the- transfer of the high command from vice-admiral Rozhestvenski to rear-admiral Nebogatov and the order to head to Vladivostok. This signal wasn't made out on the flagship of Nebogatov "Emperor Nikolai I", so the destroyer "Bezuprechny" approached the armored ship and her captain gave the verbal message; after this Nebogatov made the signal saying "Follow me". 6 p. m. - 7.30 p.' m. Surrounded by the fourth, fifth and sixth divsions of fighters of the Japanese fleet (one armored ship, 11 cruisers and one dispatch ship), the armored ship "Prince Suvorov", disabled, with all her guns destroyed exept for one 75-mm gun, was gun-fired during this hour and a half by all the Japanese ships, then she was attacked by the second division of destroyers (4 ships) at the distance 1.5 cables and hit by three torpedos, capsized at 7.30 p. m. and went down with all her crew. Till the last moment her only 75-mm gun fired at enemies. Somewhat earlier, about 6.45 p. m. the same division had sunk the transport - repair ship "Kamchatka", disabled earlier, when she tried to help "Suvorov".
ARMOR PROTECTJON
_
Details of armor protection and gunnery arrangement on the armored ships of "Borodino" class are as follows: Armor protection, ensuring survivability of the hull: two solid armor belts of Krupp armor along the waterline, 133.67 mm thick, 3.35 m high midships and up to 4 m high in the bow part, 1.25 m being under water; two solid armor decks, connected with upper and lower shelves of major armor belt, and cell-like layer along the waterline between two decks; hold longitudinal side bulkhead, made of two layers of soft steel, total 43 mm thick, along 3/4 of the ship length, protecting all the bunkers and mechanisms. Protection of armament and conning house: armor protection of 76-mm gun turrets - 254 mm, of 57-mm gun turrets - 152.4 mm; protection of the casemate and battery of 75-mm guns -76.2 mm; conning house - 203.2 mm, top - 50.8 mm; boiler jackets up to the upper deck - 19.05 mm. Gunnery arrangement: 2 two 76 mm gun turrets on the fore and aft ends, with the train arc 270 6 two 57 mm gun turrets with the train arc 135 per side of fore and aft groups and 180 per side for middleship; gun-fire over diametral plane two 76 mm guns and eight 57-mm guns; ten 47-mm guns per side in casemates and battery with the train arc per 12 The total weight of Krupp and deck armor is 4500 t or 33%. The difference between "Tsesarewich" and "Borodino": on the Russian armored ships the thickness of the main belt armor is 60.3 mm less, but all the 20 75-mm guns are protected by armor plates 76.2 mm thick, in comparison with 16 guns of that caliber on the board of "Tsesarewich". 0
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Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
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Armored ships of the world. Issue I
32
About 6.30 p. m. The division of fighters 6.50 p. m. capsized and sank with all her crew. 7.10 p. m. Loss of the enveloped in flames, under Kamimura, that was in search of the second division of fighters under admiral Togo, lost in but still fighting fleet armored ship "Borodino". At mist, detected the end ships of the Russian last she left the line, moving to the left, and capsquadron, approached them at 6.50 p. m. at the sized. Of all the crew only one seaman was saved. About 8 p. m. the flagship of Nebogatov, the distance 38-40 cables and launched an attack on armored ship "Emperor Nikolai I", passing the them. About 6.30 p. m. The fleet armored ship ships of the squadron, took her place at the head "Emperor Alexander III", with the list growing of the column, ahead of the armored ship "Ore!. 8.15. p. m. The sunset. The battle was over. ever greater, left the line, moving to the left, at
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JAPANESE ARMORED SHIP "ASAHI"
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Two armored ships "Mikasa" and "Asahi" of the same class had been the most up-to-date ships of the Japanese navy at the time of Russo-Japanese war. Both of them had been built in English shipyards on the base of modernized drawings of armored ship "Formidable". "Mikasa" had been built in 1900 in Wickers and Co. shipyard, "Asahi" - in 1899 in Clydebank shipyard. Their armament consisted of 4 305-mm, 14 152-mm, 20 75-mm, 6 47-mm guns. Ship armor: the side-board armor consisted of 102-229 mm armored plates, the second armor belt - of 152 mm plates, the armor of 152 mm gun casemates - of 152 mm plates, the bridge armor - of 356 mm plates and deck armor - of 51-76 mm armored plates. Armored plates of "Mikasa" had been manufactured by Krupp, those of "Asahi" - by Harvey. Main characteristics of ships: deadweight 15200 t, length 122 m, breadth 23.2 m, draft 8.3 m. Power plant included 25 boilers and two steam engines, their total power allowed to obtain the speed up to 18.5 kn. . The fate of one of these ships, "Mikasa", was very sad. Only four months after Tsushima battle, 10.09.1905 she caught fire and the aft powder-magazine blew up. The armored ship sank in Sasebo haven, taking the lives of 256 men. Now "Mikasa" is a memorial ship.
33
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
LOSS OF ARMORED SHIPS (from reminiscences of a participant of the battle) "Prince Suvorov"
The flag armored ship· "Prince Suvorov" became the main target of the first five Japanese ships, having circled round after turning in succession and setting on parallel course. She was disabled simultaneously with "Osl'abia" because of damage of steering wheel in the conning house. She had the mainmast and after funnel down, the aft 75-mm gun tower burst, its top thrown down and lying on the aftercastle. All the 57-mm guns were out of action, all the unprotected side sections were destroyed, the underwater hull under the conning house was shot-holed. The ship was enveloped completely in flames, a dense cloud of smoke was following her over the water. She .was still afloat, her engines worked, allowing her to move after the squadron; she crossed twice the line. After 5 p. m. two her funnels and masts were down. Her silhouette was disfigured beyond recognition, so our end ships, unaware of her leaving the line, took her for some injured Japanese ship and even gun-fired her. At 5 p. m. the wounded vice-admiral and 19 officers were taken away from "Suvorov" by the destroyer "Buiny". At this time only 47 mm-gun of the after casemate was able to fire. By making the signal on the board of "Bystry" the admiral informed the squadron about turning the command over to admiral Nebogatov. Helpless and abandoned by the squadron, the flagship was attacked at 7.29 p. m. by the division of enemy's destroyers, that got to close quarters, and took the direct hit by four torpedos. Not far from "Suvorov", the transport ship "Kamchatka" was sunk, that had tried to help her. The heroic flagship went down with her captain, officers and crew; only vice-admiral and officers of headquarters were saved by "Buiny". "Emperor Alexander III"
After the flagship "Suvorov" was disabled, the armored ship "Alexander III" became the head ship and undertook the daring attempt to break through northwards, passing the. end of the Japanese division, having come ahead. However this maneuver was frustrated because of sudden turning 16 points together of the entire enemy's column, which crossed the course of "Alexan-
der III". This ship left the line temporarily, but soon resumed her place at the head of the column and continued to be there till 3.40 p. m., when severely damaged and enveloped in flames, she left the line and went to the end of the column, taking place between "Nakhimov" and "Dshakov". After 5 p. m. "Alexander III" was gun-fired by Japanese armored cruisers from the port side. At 6.50 p. m. she left the line, making the signal "Ship in distre~s". Having the great list, the ship fired salvo of middleship 57 mm-gun turret and was on her beam-ends. When she capsized, her hull was floating some time, her keel over. Several tens of men perched on the ship bottom; they might be saved, but all of them sank with the ship. "Borodino"
In the first phase of the battle, before the attempt of break-through to the north, "Borodino" had few insignificant damages. "Alexander III" leaving the line, "Borodino" became the h~ad ship and in her turn repeated the attempt to break through northwards, passing the end of the Japanese division. Making use of temporary absence of Japanese ships, which moved southwards and lost the Russian squadron in the mist, at 5 p. m. "Borodino" collected the rest of Russian ships and led them northwards. When Japanese armored ships, that returned from the south by parallel course, overhauled ourcolumn, "Borodino" took a terrible poundering from starboard, but continued to keep for Vladivostok, without any evolutions. She was enveloped in flames. Her last hour "Borodino" moved with 5° list to the enemy side. From the bridge of the armored ship "Orel", following her, one could see continuous hits of 76 mm shells against her waterline, causing huge fountains to rise. Through ports of batteries bright flame was shooting up. In the last moment the shell struck the side under the after 57 mm-gun turret. Probably it caused burst in bunkers, for the flame appeared near the waterline, and the ship was in a minute on her starboard beam-ends. The ship capsized: About 30 men perched on the bottom of turned-over ship, but in the result of some internal burst, the hull went down and all the seamen perished. By night the Japanese destroyer picked up one man of this crew, who was the only survived member of crew of this heroic ship.
4. DESCRIPTION OF THE BATTLE AND PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS Successful tennination of the passage meant in no way winning of the battle; to ensure success in the battle, the combat ships needed discharging of their excessive load of extra stores. Unfortunately, it hadn't been done. The annored ships were compelled to join the battle while having the total overload about 1700 t; every one of them had had more than 1000 t of coal on board. As the result, the height of the midships second annor belt (152 mm thick) above water was about 1.4 m, and the 76-mm armored hull side near the 75-mm gun casemate with cut-through ports was extending 2.1 m above water. The height of the forward part of the second annor belt was only 2 m instead of 2.8 m, as it was designed, and under conditions of moderate seas (3-4 balls) in the day of the battle waves were flowing over unprotected hull sides. However, 102 mm-thick armor belt of Japanese annorclads was extending in the forward part above water as high as 1 m. The headquarters of the Second Pacific squadron hand't taken necessary preparatory actions before the battle: all the rowboats, steam launches and mine launches were left on their places, plentiful wooden details of deck houses, superstructures and inner compartments hadn't been dispensed with (exept for "Orel", where they had been removed partly), to say nothing of colouring of the annored ships - black hulls with yellow funnels and tubes and dark-grey masts made good targets for ranging shots of the Japanese. The battle experience of the Japanese headquarters promptedthem to strip all the unnecessary wooden details and take away all the boats and launches; they dismounted all the cumbersome roundtops. Tactical plans of the headquarters of the Russian squadron had foreseen formation of a separate detachment of four Borodino-class ships under command of Rozhestvenski, who was on the board of his flagship, the annorclad "Prince Suvorov". But it didn't mean separate manoeuvring of the detachment - twelve Japanese annorclads were to be opposed by twelve Russion battleships in close fonnation, moving with the collective speed 9 kn only. The Russian ships were threatened most of all by four Japanese annorclads, forming the first fighting division together with the cruisers "Nisshin" and "Kasuga", commanded by admiral H. Togo himself. This division hadn't had decisive supremacy over the first detachment of the Russi-
ans (see Table 2), composed of one-class ships with the better arrangement of the artillery. It would have been logical for Rozhestvenski to let the fifth high-speed annored ship "Osl'abia" join the detachment and then to attack the division of H. Togo from the favourable (for the Russian ships) distance. For the Russian artillery this distance was of the order of 20-25 cables. Serious damages of one or two of Japanese battleships should have compelled the Japanese to cease the battle. But the Russian commander-in-chief had let the Japanese take the fighting initiative. Moreover, just after the main forces of H. Togo had been sighted at 1.20 p. m. of that ominous day May 14, 1905, Rozhestvenski thought of nothing better than to order evolution of the annored ships, which were to fonn single line ahead, while the enemy had been approaching fast. From the conning tower of his flagship Rozhestvenski had seen, that adversary's ships began turning port in succession with the intention to enter the parallel naval action, thus allowing the Russians to attack these ships with fire for some time till the turning was finished. When head ships of H. Togo - "Mikasa" and "Shikishima" got on new course, Rozhestvenski commanded to bring them under fire and decrease the speed of squadron ships from 11 kn to 9 kn. In the result the fourth ship in the column, "Orel", hadn't time enough to take her place before "Osl'abia", that slowed down sharply and turned broadsides towards the enemy; the annored ships, following her, got muddled together. The commander of the port forward 152-mm gun turret of "Prince Suvorov", lieutenant BorisDanchich fired ranging shot from the distance 32 cables at 1.49 p. m. The shell fell within 20 m of "Mikasa" stem. Following the flagship, Russian annored ships opened fire, trying to concentrate it on the head annorclads of the adversary. Actually "Mikasa" was attacked simultaneously by "Prince Suvorov", "Emperor Alexander III", "Borodino" and periodically by "Osl'abia" and "Orel". The latter, finding herself beyond the line, tried to register her fire through "Osl'abia", while using false reading of her range ,finder (55 cables), that couldn't be corrected, because the fall of her shells wasn't seen from her: "Mikasa" was hidden sometimes behind splashes. From the first minutes of the battle "Osl'abia" came under severe fire of two Japanese annorclads and several cruisers; her forward gun turret had fired only three shots
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
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bef ore it was damaged; the after gun turret switched its fire very soon to other objects. During the first 17 minutes of the battle "Mikasa" was hit by 19 shells from the head Russian armored ships, including five 305-mm and fourteen 152-mm shells. One of 12 shells pierced the roof of 152-mm gun casemate; 76-mm ammunition, stored nearby, detonated, and all the crew men were wounded. The second shell exploded under the forebridge and demolished the shelterdeck, its splinters got into the conning tower and admiral H. Togo scarcely missed being stricken by them. The third major-caliber shell pierced 152-mm armored plate under casemate No 1 and caused a coal bunker to be flooded. But all these hits weren't serious enough to disable 15000 t ship. "Mikasa" managed to outran fire by evasive manoeuvre because of poor organization of firing even within the armored ships detachment of the Russian squadron. Unsatisfactory organization of firing of the Russian squadron allowed the three other Japanese ships - "Shikishima","Fuji" and "Asahi" to remain actually not subjected to fire. Following "Mikasa", that brought down fire when hit by first shells, "Asahi" attacked by fire Russian flagship without being prevented from it anywise."Shikishima" and "Fuji" placed "Osl'abia" under lire and inflicted fatal damages on her. At about 2 p. m. "Fuji" turned fire on "Prince Suvorov", attacked Ialso by the armored cruiser "Azuma". In some minutes after fire had been initiated "Prince Suvorov" took hit after hit. The first shell exploded near the forebridge. Japanese highexplosive projectiles, hitting the battery deck, commanding officer's state room, boats and launches, placed on the sparedeck, became the cause of more and more fires; falling thick and fast splinters were punching fire hoses and injuring men of the damage-control party. The sources of the fire couldn't been suppressed: in a half of an hour since the beginning of the battle "Prince Suvorov" was enveloped in flames and smoke. On the fore yard strips of burnt signal halyards were dandling; no signals could be made by their means. The radiotelegraph equipment, that had been receiving uninterruptedly Japanese messages, was silent since 2.12 p. m.: both its antennas failed. Shell explosion threw down a part of the roof of the after 305-mm gun turret, but its guns continued firing. The after port 152-mm gun turret must be abandoned, for it became hot because of fire in the admiral's compartment. The captain of the flagship proposed repea-
36
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
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"BORODINO"-GLASSFLEEr ARMORED SHIPS (brie!historlcoutlineandprincipalc!uuacteristicso!ships)
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The first ship of a new series of fleet armored ships, "Borodino" had been laid down 11th May, 1900, in New Admiralty shipyard of St.Petersburg port; this event had been celebrated widely. The same day her sister ship had been laid down in the dockyard of Baltyiski shipbuilding and mechanical plant of the Navy Ministry; this ship's name had been "Emperor Alexander III". Third ship of the series, fleet armored ship "Orel" had been laid down 20th May, 1900, in the shipyard of Galley island, and in a year, 26th August, 1901, in the Baltic shipyard the laying down of the fourth ship of the series, "Prince Suvorov", had been celebrated. The last ship of the series, "Slava", had been laid down in the same shipyard a year after the fourth ship. The first of these ships to be launched had been "Emperor Alexander III"- 21.07.1901, then "Borodino"- 26.08.190 I, "Orel"- 06.07.1902 and "Prince Suvorov- 12.09.1902. The last ship, "Slava", had been launched only 16.07.1903. In November of 1903 "Emperor Alexander III" had been put into service and joined the Russian Navy. Next three ships had been commissioned in July-September of 1904 and the last ship, "Slava", only in October of 1905, after the end of Russo-Japanese war. The first four ships, that entered into the Second Pacific squadron, had following main characteristics: normal design displacement 13516 t, actual displacement approximately 14200 t, over all length 121.2 m ("Borodino" and "Orel") and
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38
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
tedly to do evasive manoeuvre to outrun fire of Japanese ships, but Rozhestvenski did not agree, because he was concerned only with accuracy of his artillery fire. Under the shower of the adversary's shells the flag armored ship turned twice two points starboard: this didn't allow to avoid brackets, but conditions for firing became somewhat better. Because "Prince Suvorov" couldn't be discerned distinctly behind clouds of smoke, Japanese ships turned their fire on "Emperor Alexander III"; she took some heavy hits and caught fire too. Probably, some shell, hitting "Borodino", damaged the steering gear, and the ship was disabled for some time. Nearly simultaneously "Osl'abia", being seriously injured, sheered out of line. For a time these two armored ships were brought to the same line with "Orel", thus becoming the good target for the Japanese. "Borodino" exchanged effectively fire with the enemy with her after 305-mm gun turret, while firing over the aftercastle of "Orel". 203-mm shells of Japanese cruisers destroyed the forward 75-mm casemate. . Soon after "Osl'abia'" sheering out of line the flagship "Prince Suvorov" fell out too, because the gear, connecting the conning tower with her steering machine, was damaged. The helm remained in the starboard position. The armored ship, that took to that time no less than thirty hits, made a complete turning cycle, went through the line of Russian ships and began to approach enemy's ships."Emperor Alexander III" followed her at first, but after the situation became clear, she took the place at the head of the squadron in accordance with the previous order of the commander-in chief, trying to resume the initial course -. 23 to the north-east. Possibly, "Alexander III" was still under the command of her captain. The ship was fighting valiantly, being attacked by combined fire of Japanese ships. Narrow hits of several majorcaliber shells at the port forward part of the hull of "Alexander III" caused six-meter hole in the unprotected hull. A part of the stem post was warped as a result of repeated explosions, plates of the armor belt along the water-line were displaced. Water, flowing through the shot-hole, began to flood compartments above the armored deck. With the list to port and fire on skids, "Emperor Alexander III" sheered out of line at 2.40 p. m., suspending fire for some time. On her burnt. sides red spots of the minium coating were seen. At this time, when Japanese armorclads under . command of Togo completed almost their mission 0
of enveloping the head of the Russian squadron, crossing nearly their "t", the admiral took resuming of the initial course by "Emperor Alexander III" for an attempt to break through northwards, passing astern of the division under Kamimura, which had lost the cruiser"Asama", disabled at the beginning of the battle. The Japanese commander-in-chief altered course to 90 to the left by simultaneons turning, while his second flagship continued on present course, protecting her ships during this evolution and attacking the head Russian ships by fire. Instead of "Emperor Alexander III", the lead of the column was taken by "Borodino"; this ship together with "Orel" subjected Japanese ships, brought to the same line, to fire. The cruiser "Nisshin" was bilged by 305-mm shell; the armorclad "Fuji" suffered heavy damages. It seemed, fortunes of the war might come to the Russians: 305-mm shell pierced 6"-thick armored plates above the starboard gun of the after gun turret of this ship and caused charges to inflame. But, fortunately for the Japanese, six projectiles, stored in the turret, didn't detonate at all, and the water from the destroyed hydraulic system helped to extinguish fire. Moreover, the port gun of the turret was put into operatio;fl in 40 minutes. At about 2.48 p. m. Togo'gave next command to turn simultaneously to the left for evolution into the single line ahead and then together with "Nisshin" under rear-admiral S. Mitsu brought "Borodino" under fire while this ship had completed almost her turn northwards, trying to approach the disabled flagship. The captain of "Borodino" P. I. Serebrennikov, one of the senior officers of the squadron, was awaiting for signals from the flagship in accordance with the admiral's command, ready to protect the flagship from the next attack of the enemy. "Prince Suvorov" and the head ships of the Russian column, "Borodino", "Orel" and "Emperor Alexander III", fallen in astern of "Orel", came at 3 p. m. under concentrated fire of the armorclads of Togo, joined by the cruisers under command of Kamimura. The distance between them was diminished up to 13-15 cables. "Mikasa" and then the cruisers "Yakumo" and "Azuma" even discharged torpedoes at "Prince Suvorov", but missed the target. But the Japanese guns, firing at a short distilllce, reduced the Russian flagship to a heap of metal ruins. In the result of explosion in the after 305-mm gun turret its roof was thrown down on the aftercastle. The foremast and the after funnel were knocked down by shells and fell to the deck. Through the underwater 0
39
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shot-hole beneath the armor belt, near the port mine racks, water was flowing over; some side compartments were flooded thus producing a steady list. When "Borodino" was approaching "Prince Suvorov", she also took several hits. Turning southwards, the Russian armored ships disappeared for some time in the mist, and the battle was suspended. During this fight at short distances Japanese ships sustained no serious damages because the disposition of both adversaries didn't allow all the Russian ships to keep under fire enemy's ships: only head ships could attack by fire and only a part of their guns could be used. On the board of "Shikishima" a shell pierced casemate No 6 and its crew was injured. On the board of "Nisshin" an exploding shell tore the tube of a 203-mm gun off. Passive manoeuvring of the Second squadron under command of Rozhestvenski at the beginning of the battle in combination with the poor coordination of the collective firing of the squadron led to the loss of the control over the squadron actions and ultimately to ist defeat. After "Prince Suvo·rov" was disabled, "Emperor Alexander III" and "Borodino" were fighting desperately, trying to fulfil previous commands of the admiral and support each other and their flagship, but every time their heroic efforts to lead the squadron ended in that the head of the squadron came under concentrated fire of the adversary. "Prince Suvorov", that had lost control, ran into heavy firing of "Mikasa", "Shikishima" and the five cruisers under Kamimura soon after "Borodino" turned southwards. In the result of new hits the forward 305-mm gun turred was destroyed, many officers and seamen, trying to extinguish fires, were wounded or killed. To that time "Prince Suvorov" took no less than sixty hits of shells of major and middle caliber. Her three sisterships suffered severe damages too, but"Borodino" and "Orel" still retained their fighting capability. The operating efficiency was preserved also by "Mikasa", that took more than 25 hits. At about 3.40 p. m. captain Serebrennikov squared again the course of the squadron to 23° to the north-east. "Borodino" was followed by "Orel" and"Alexander III". The senior of remained flagships under command of rear-admiral Nebogatov was going to fall in astern of the latter. The flagship of N. I. Nebogatov, "Emperor Nikolai I", followed by three armored ships of coast defence, passed the stretched-out column of Russian ships of the second demachment - "Sisoi Veliki", "Navarin" and "Admiral Nakhimov" by portside. At that time there appeared out of mist
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
five cruisers under Kamimura, followed by the division of H. Togo. During the fight, which lasted 35 minutes, Japanese ships overtook the Russian squadron once more; between the fighting ships "Prince Suvorov" was moving by zigzags. At times she approached enemy's ships as near as 11 cables, while the distance between the main forces was of the order of 30-35 cables.To protect her flagship, "Borodino" turned eastwards. This fight demonstrated once more the superiority of the Japanese in arranging the squadron firing _."Prince Suvorov" lost the forward funnel and the rest of the mainmast, tom off by explosion of 305-mm shell. All her gun turrets were inactive already, and only two 75-mm guns of the after casemate continued fire. Japanese shells inflicted damages on the board of "Borodino", "Orel" and "Emperor Alexander III". On the board of "Orel" a part of the tube of the portside 305-mm gun in the forward turret was torn off. Russian ships answered the adversary's fire with accurate enough, but unconcentrated fire. "Mikasa" and "Nisshin" took hits of majorcaliber shells. On the board of the flagship of admiral Togo another coal bunker was flooded by water through a shot-hole in the 152 mm-thick armor belt. Splinters of a shell, which had destroyed the forward turret of "Nisshin", got into the conning tower; they wounded rear-admiral S. Mitsu and killed his officer. In the starboard 305-mm gun of "Shikishima" forward turret its own shell exploded - eleventh shell in this battle. The gun was destroyed, the turret was to be repaired. The obvious superiority in firing and comparatively insignificant damages of Japanese 'ships allowed Togo to approach Russian ships to destroy them completely. Nevertheless he commanded his ships to turn simultaneously to the left and disengage; maybe, he estimated wrongly the situation in that moment, because visibility was obscured by the mist and smoke from burriing Russian ships. Meanwhile "Borodino" turned gradually southwards, followed by the squadron, and came ultimately to the field of fight of cruiser detachments. Russian armored ships passed between their own and Japanese cruisers, while continuing their fight with Kamimura's division, joined soon by the damaged "Asama". The disabled Russian flagship was left behind. Together with the damaged transport ship "Kamchatka", "Prince Suvorov" endured terrible pounding from Japanese cruiser detachments, but retained her buoyancy. At about 7 p. m. rearadmiral S. Kataoka sent his destroyers Nos 72, 73,
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
74 and to attack the ruined ship. Coming to "Prince Suvorov" from starboard and the bow, Japanese destroyers discharged seven 356-mm torpedoes to her portside. According to some evidence, the guns of the ship were inoperative long ago, but survived seamen were still rifling. After two or three explosions of torpedoes "Prince Suvorov", enveloped in black-yellow puffs of smoke, turned over slowly on her portside and sank in ten minutes. The fate of the heroic ship was shared by her remaining crew members. The Japanese wrote: "On the place, where there have been the armored ship, only fragments of smoke clouds remained, drifting over the water surface". Almost simultaneously two other sister ships went down, which had been the brunt of the battle of that day. At 5.40 p. m. the squadron led by "Borodino" was ran down by the division of H. Togo. The column of Russian ships spread out: only "Orel" followed astern of "Borodino". "Emperor Alexander III", flooded by water, flowing through shot-holes in the bow, fell behind. She was followed by the detachment under command of Nebogatov and by "Sisoi Veliki" , "Navarin" and"Admiral Nakhimov", shifted somewhat to portside. Japanese ships, having on the board undamaged fourteen 305-mm, one 254-mm and four 203-mm guns, attacked the head ships by fire at
43
the distance about 39 cables; probably, they were answered by seven 305-mm guns and remained 152-mm guns of starboard turrets. Firing conditions were unfavourable for Japanese ships, because the Russian ships were seen on the background of the setting-down sun. When the distance was diminished to 30 cables, visibility was improved; at about 6.14 p. m. "Borodino" took several hits and began to disappear in clouds of smoke. The Japanese turned sometimes their fire on "Orel", that was answering with rather good accuracy. A 152-mm shell damaged a casemate gun on the board of "Mikasa" . At 6.26 p. m. the flagship of admiral Togo was hit by 305-mm shell. "Taciturn admiral", armed with a sword (the emperor's gift) and a Zeiss binocular, ordered to increase the distance. At the beginning of this stage of the battle the accident, similar to that on the board of "Shikishima", occurred on the board of "Mikasa"; a starboard 305-mm gun of the forward turret was burst by its own (twenty-eighth in that day) shell. The port gun resumed firing in 36 minutes. After several hits at the armor belt on the level of the waterline, "Orel" got off the course, her heel in turning increased up to 6°; through shot-holes in the unprotected hull sides waves were flowing over. Water, flooding the battery deck, poured to starboard, thus preventing. the ship from straightening. "Navarin" sheered out of
/
Japanese armored ship "Iwamt' (former "Orel').
JAPANESE ARMORED SHIP "IWAMI"
_
About 11 in the morning of 15 th May, 1905 those Russian ships, led by rear-admiral Nebogatov, which remained afloat after the battle of 14 th May and were encircled by the majority of Japan combat ships, were forced to surrender. Among ships yielded to Japan, there was badly damaged fleet armored ship "Orel". She was tugged to Sasebo, repaired and later joined the Japan navy under new name "Iwami". The ship was partly refitted. Her gunnery included, as before, 4 305-mm guns, but new 6 203-mm, 20 76-mm and 20 47-mm guns were mounted. "Iwami" took part in the First World War. 23.08.1914 together with other ships of British and Japanese navies she shelled the German naval-military base in Tsing Dao on Pacific. In 1922 this armored ship was taken out of service because of her utter obsolescence.
44
line and protected "Orel" with her hull, in order she might repair her damages and return to her place astern of "Borodino". At about 6.30 p. m. Russian ships were attacked by six cruisers under Kamimura, that overhauled the squadron, at the distance 40-45 cables. Possibly, their target was "Emperor Alexander III", that had come formely under fire of "Kasuga" and kept out of line and somewhat to starboard of the last ship of the Nebogatov detachment, "Admiral Ushakov". "Emperor Alexander III"preserved still her funnels and masts~ but the spardeck was all in flames. While taking the terrible pounding from enemy's ships, the ship moved suddenly to portside, the list to starboard became even greater gradually. Soon water began to flow over through demolished ports of 75-mm gun battery, 305-mm gun tubes touched crests of waves. After firing her last shot, "Emperor Alexander III" turned on her starboard over at 6.50 p. m.; upwards her huge bottom there were clambering about fourty revived seamen. Japanese cruisers chased off the Russian cruiser "Izumrud", that tried to save lives of perishing people. Soon the bottom of the armored ship went down together with all the 867 men of her crew. Wrec~ of "Emperor Alexander III" was caused by the loss of stability caused by flooding; enormous masses of water flow:'ed through numerous shot-holes, which could be neither localized, nor repaired while running and under conditions of moderate seas. The greatest quantities of water flowed through enormous holes in the bow. Her operating efficiency was diminished to a large measure by extensive fire, which first had found plentiful materials to be fed with, and foremost wooden details of deck houses, cabins and rowboats. Because of overloading of the armored ships the height of protected hull sides above water was decreased as well as the safety angle. At the moment of the wreck of "Emperor Alexander III" both "Borodino" and "Orel" were enveloped in flames. The head ship sustained very serious losses and damages: all her officers were killed or wounded, her mainmast was' knocked down and dropped into water; the steady list to starboard about 50 developed. At about 7 p. m. on the stem of the ship two 305-mm shells exploded, fired by "Shikishima" guns; they produced burst of flames 9 m high. The guns of the after gun turret were destroyed, on the after bridge 47 -mm ammunition was exploding. It was-getting dark, and admiral Togo decided to let his destroyers to conclude the battle. "Mikasa" ceased fire and headed off to portside. Reaching the turning point, "Fuji" fired the last shot from her remained 305-mm after gun. The shell hit the starboard forward 152-mm gun turret of "Borodino"; probably, it caused detonation of the
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
ammunition. Flames and smoke rose as high as funnels. Without falling out of the column, "Borodino" capsized, turning over on starboard and soon went down with tens of seamen, perched on her bottom. The last thing, that was seen by observers, were rotating screws - the machine room crew, headed by the ship's engineer V. S. Ryabinin, were doing their duty till the last moment. Of 866 men of "Borodino"'s crew only one man was saved later by a Japanese destroyer. During the last half an hour of the battle firing of the guns of "Borodino" and "Orel" was less intensive. Centralized control of their artillery was unfeasible. As to Japanese ships, only "Nisshin" sustained some damages, not very serious: the tube of another 203-mm gun was tom off. It must be said, that "Sisoi Veliki" was given a geat chance to revenge the loss of "Emperor Alexander III", for her 305-mm shell hit the flagship of rear-admiral H. Kamimura, the cruiser "Izumo". This shell, gliding along the armored deck, pierced the boiler casing, but didn't explode, fortunately for the Japanese. Of twenty-four 305-mm shells of Russian ships, which hit Japanese armorclads, eight shells didn't explode at all (33 %). Of course, this diminished greatly the efficiency of firing of the Russian artillery, which was actually quite unsufficient because of very small charge of explosive: its content comprised only 1,1-1,8 % of the total mass of the shell. Meanwhile in Japanese 305-mm shells the content of shimosa (melinite) comprised 5-8,5% of the total mass of the shell; the brisance of melinite surpassed that of the smokeless powder used in Russian 12" shells. But Japanese shells couldn't pierce even thinnest armored plates and exploded often in the tubes of their own guns. "Orel" took about seventy hits of shells, and fifty-five of them of 305-mm 152-mm shells. The appearance of these damages was impressive - plentiful shot-holes in the unprotected hull, warped superstructures, destroyed and burnt skids and rowboats. The ship suffered very heavy losses: 41 men were killed or died of wounds, 87 men were wounded. But the ship was operable and preserved considerable fighting capability: three 305-mm, five 152-mm and ten75-mm guns. Hits of enemy's shells diminished, of course, the intensity of firing, but ship's guns fired at that day 185 305-mm and more that 800 152-mm shells. , The Japanese armorc1ad "Mikasa", having taken about 40 hits, in that thirty-two hits of 152-mm - 305-mm shell~ lost 113 men: eight of them were killed and 105 wounded. One 305-mm and two 152-mm guns were destroyed. The rate of firing of "Mikasa" wasn't 'greater toan that of "Orel"; 120 shells of the main caliber were fired and about a half of ammunition was left to continue
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
45
the fight. Of course, if explosions of Russian shells were more effective and there were no failures, detonation of the ammunition on the board of "Fuji" and destroying of boilers on the board of "Izumo" could be hardly avoided, but the excellent properties of the Japanese ammunition couldn't be considered to be the main factor, ensuring the winning of the battle. Neither could be drawbacks of the armored ships of "Borodino" class considered to be the main cause of defeat of the Russian navy:- these ships demonstrated good enduranse under severe conditions. The Japanese gained the upper hand in this battle because of superiority in tactics, in tactical use of their artillery. They managed to use their guns in favourable tactical situation, concentrate fierce fire on best Russian armored ships and hit their objects most effectively. That allowed them to disable and destroy three armored ships of "Borodino" class and "Osl'abia". Japanese gunners were firing with good accuracy: 3,2 % of fired shells of major and middle calibers hit their targets, and the main object of attack of the Japanese artillery was four armored ships of "Borodino" class, which took no less than 265 hits of 360 hits, taken by twenty Russian armored ships. Armored ships of the detachment under Nebogatov took only ten hits, but they were placed in an unfavourable position for firing, so their fire wasn't effective, though their expenditure of the ammunition was considerable. The Russians
Efficiency of fire of the armored ships artillery was decreased, of course, as a result of actions of the adversary. However, while guns of some ships fired with the good accuracy, and the fire intensity was high enough, the total efficiency of fire of Russian armored ships artillery was low, three times worse than that of Japanese guns, only 1,2% hits. Most hits were taken by "Mikasa" and "Nisshin", while the rest of hits were distributed evenly among all the participating combat ships. By their manoeuvring Japanese ships aimed at offering the best possibilities for their ships artillery action and evading the fire of the Russian artillery; they coped with this task successfully. At the same time the armored ships of the squadron under Rozhestvenski were tied to limited collective speed (9 kn), their initiative was brought to nothing by orders of the commander-in-chief, who lost control of the squadron after "Prince Suvorov" was disabled. Well-known English historian and theorist of navy H. Wilson wrote later: "The Russians didn't lack courage, they stood firm to the end, but they were devoid of initiative and enterprise". In opinion of many Russian, Japanese and English specialistes the battle was lost by the Second Pacific squadron in the first 40 minutes after fire was initiated. Meanwhile the armored ships of "Borodino" class were fighting valiantly more than four hours after this first phase. EFFICIENCY OF GUN FIRE IN THE BATTLE OF 14 TH MAY, 1905
The Japanese
Hits of
First group of armored ships
152-305 mm
"Prince Suvorov"
100 (?)
935
"Mikasa"
"Emperor Alexander III"
50 (?)
867
Men killed
shells
Hits of
First group of armored ships
152-305mm
shells
Men killed
32
113
"Shikishima"
5
37
"Fuji"
5
29
"Borodino"
60 (?)
865
"Asahi"
2
31
"Orel"
55
128
"Kasuga"
2
27
2795
"Nisshin" Total
9 55
83 320
265 (?)
Total
492 (?)
305mm
445
305mm
2500 (?)
152mm
50
254mm
284
203mm
5748 6527
152mm
Total 2992 (?)
Total
NUMBER OF SHELLS FIRED
5.
ARMORED SHIP "OREL" IN THE BATTLE
In the course of all stages of the artillery At 3.40 p. m. the captain of the ship was engagement of the day "Orel" took 15 hits of 12" wounded mortally; charges in two starboard 6" caliber shells and more than 50 hits of 8" and 6" gun turrets took fire, the deck around the conning caliber shells, to say nothing about minor caliber tower was enveloped in flames. All the officers in projectiles of countennine guns. the conning tower and gun turrets were wounded, At first "Orel" was struck in her afterbody at commanding officers of forward and aft casemates the same time, when "Osl'abia" had her forward were killed. At 4 p. m. the ship took 6° list on damaged. "Orel" sustained severe damages when starboard, sometimes it increased up to 10°, but passing on opposite tack the line of Japanese ships thanks to well-coordinated work of hold crew it at 3 p. m. was repaired. Then the ship took a terrible
The damaged armored ship "Ore!' in Japanese harbor Maizuru.
47
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
...
pouning of collective fire of 12" guns from starboard, simultaneously with "Borodino". Some shells struck the deck near the mainmast, and admiral's rooms were set on fire. In this phase of the battle Japanese cruisers were attacking our ships from port side; after loss of "Alexander III" they continued to fire at "Orel" 8" and 6" caliber shells. After "Borodino" was lost, "Orel" moved some time at the head of the column till "Nikolai I", the flagship of Nebogatov, . overtook it. Before the 4arkness fell, more than 50 shells were fired and fell behind the stern of "Orel", but all the guns of Japanese armorclads missed their target. It was the last salvo before stopping the fire. "Orel" survived all the artillery strokes of the adversary during the battle and by night, while following the head ship "Nikolai I", accompanied by the cruiser "Izumrud", avoided enemy's torpedoes. Her engines were working normally, her steering system was operable; as to the armament, one 12"· gun in the forward turret mounting and two 6" gun turrets on the port side remained operable. When the division of Nebogatov, including this ship, was surrounded by enemy's ships, "Orel" opened fire, but her 6" shells didn't reach them. When Japanese ships concentrated their fire on "Nikolai I", "Orel" was forced to lower her flag, in order to save the flagship from being destroyed. Such were the circumstances of the loss of all four head armored ships and of elimination of fighting efficiency of the last of new-built ships. But this loss seemed to be inevitable because of Rozhestvenski tactics, he had chosen in the beginning of the battle, when fire had been opened. He let his adversary envelope the head ships of the Russian squadron and separate them from seven end ships, which were armed by 39 guns of 6" -12" calibers; he allowed his adversary to eliminate subsequently all the five head ships by collective fire; after it the destruction of the last of the squadron presented no difficulty. The ability of the armored ships to withstand injures was limited, and the high command tactics should be to arrange skilfully evolutions in order not allow to reach this limit. As soon as the headquarters are unable to impement the fighting potential of ships under their command, the defeat is inevitable. How can one persist in the opinion, that this battle was lost because of inadequate fighting capabilities of Russian ships? The battle was lost in first 10 minutes, while the armored ships of "Borodino"class were swimming during 5 1\2 hours after that.
4#------.-----------------_____________ _-
------ ----- -------------------------------
-~~~__'l9f_'~~~ Scheme of injures inflicted to the armored ship "Oref' in the battle: a) port, b) starboard.
ADVANTAGES OF JAPANESE COLUMN OF SHIPS IN TACTICAL SPEED AND FIRE CONTROL
The Japanese managed to destroy the Russian squadron thanks to persistent use of specific tactics worked out by their headquarters: it consisted in enveloping the head of the Russian squadron including five newly built armored ships, and their consecutive destroying by concentrated fire, one ship at a time. The tactics proved to be successful because of advantage in the collective speed of all twelve Japanese ships, moving with the speed up to 16 kn, while the Russian squadron, tied down to its "lame ducks" - old slow-speed combat and transport ships, was making only 9-10 kn, while five Russian armored ships might move as fast as Japanese ships. Then the tactical advantage of the Japanese could be brought to nothing, and the fast maneuvre of surrounding and separating the head of the Russian squadron would be unfeasible.
48
Armored ships of the world. Issue I c)
f=------!
...L I
12j/illtl
'--'--__, 0
0
Injures sustained by the armored ship "Orel': a - 305-mm shell hit the J52-mm gun turret, b - the conning tower hit by shell,
c - bow armored plate, damaged by hit.
b)
Th-e second factor of the Japanese tacti~s was based upon was their thorough artillery preparation. It had been attained because of adequate training, allowing to provide collective adjustment fire for detennination of the targetable range, the collective fire control for the ships of the column, and.to provide the maximum rate of fire and the collective fire of all the broadside guns and even of all the guns of several ships against one target. Japanese ships could hit a target at the distance more than 30-40 cables. These skills, acquired because of adequate training and appropriate organization of shelling, allowed the Japanese to concentrate promptly the gunfire of their ships on two our ships "Osl'abia" and "Suvorov" and disable them in 30 minutes. To diminish this advantage of the Japanes~, Rozhestvenski should have approached fast Japanese ships as near' as possible. EFFECT OF JAPANESE SHELLS
The Japanese were firing high-explosive projectiles of two types: those of the first type
were exploding when meeting a minimum resistance; projectiles of the second type were exploding after pierciing second (nonconstructive) side or thin plating. The projectiles of the first type produced thick black puffs of smoke when bursting in the result of fall into water or striking the plating. They inflicted significant external damages in unprotected parts of hulls and were used for adjustment fire, but caused inflammation seldom enough, even if great amount of combustibles was present. The projectiles of the second type, when bursting, gave a bright yellow flame and somewhat larger fragments. The temperature of burst was very high, so all the available combustibles inflamed very fast. The armor became heated,_ the mild steel was melting. These projectiles inflicted internal damages in parts, near to ship's sides, because they burst immediately after piercing the plating. The projectiles of 6" caliber, which hit "Orel" (judging by shot-holes) were of the first and second types equally. All the 8" caliber projectiles burst when striking the ship's sides. Only four of all the 12" caliber shells burst
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
after piercing the external plating. The burst came after the second stroke, always causing the fire. Shot-holes in the 9.525 mm-thick plating had following dimensions: caused by 12" caliber shells - 243.8x243.8 cm, by 8" caliber shells - 152.4xI82.9 cm, by 6" caliber shells-91.4x91.4 cm. The largest shot-hole was inflicted, when two 12" caliber shells burst near the base of aft starboard 6" gun turret, its dimensions were 243.8x365.7 cm, that is about 9.29 m2 • When bursting, 12" caliber shell demolished all the hull structures around, in the range of about . 260 cm. The burst inside the ship threw down all the noncapital cabin bulkheads in the surroundings in the range up to 243.8 cm; trunks and coal hoses were torn up and twisted. Meanwhile 8" caliber shell bursting near the ship's side on the battery deck, didn't destroy even nonstructural cabin bulkheads; they were pierced by large splinters, but cabin furniture was left untouched.
The/ore gun turret of"Orel'. A part 0/ the port-side.
49
EFFECT OF JAPANESE HIGHEXPLOSIVE PROJECTILES ON ARMOR PROTECTION
In Tsushima battle Japanese ships used only high-explosive projectiles. 76.2 mm-thick casemate armor plates and 50.8 mm-thick armored deck withstood bursts of 12" caliber shells without having any through shot-holes, that could be made by large shell fragments. But obviously the bursts were of impulse character and were accompanied by sharp concussion, causing injures of armor plate attachments. The plates detached themselves from the jacket along an edge opposite to the side, where the plate was stricken and a shell burst. Bolts couldn't withstand strain and their thread got stripped. "Osl'abia" was lost because armor plates of the upper side armor belt had been tom up in the result of the plate repeatedly hit by shells. On "Orel" 127 mm-thick plate of the upper armor belt, adjacent to the stem, was tom up. Armor bolts, attaching 152.4 mm-thick armor plates, protecting 6" gun turrets, were broken down as well as attachments of 127 mm-thick armor plates, protecting feed pipes, which were fixed by means of riveted posts and boundary angle bars. A 203.2 mm-thick armor plate of the conning tower was moved aside and drop out of its attachment. The armor plates of 12" gun turrets withstood hits and burst of 12" caliber high-explosive projectiles. The side armor belt plates showed the tendency to rotate about their centre of gravity under the influence of striking and bursts of the major caliber shells; it was an evidence of the wrong method of the armor plates attachment. In order not to allow plate edges to be detached from the hull, they were to be fixed by two lines of bolts to strenghened posts in places of butts, jointed together by keys. The Japanese destroyed the Russian ships using only high-explosive projectiles; they never used armor-piercing shells. This tactics of fighting against the armored ships turned out to be successive only thanks to the great number of hits. While "Orel", that wasn't the head ship, took direct hits by 142 large caliber shells, the last three her sisterships, without any doubt, sustained much greater injures. "Suvorov" lost all her upper structures, not protected by armor plates, and was reduced to low-built naked frame with armor protection; she bore a strong resemblance to the old "monitor". "Borodino" and "Alexander III" had their funnels and masts preserved till the end, unlike "Suvorov", and they also were kept
50
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
Armored ship "Ore!' after the battle. After bridge view of the spardeck.
Damaged plating near the middleship port J52-mm gun turret.
swimming thank to their above-water armor belt remaining tight. When their side armor got submerged besause of the great list, and shot-holes of secondary side plating above the battery deck went under water, the ships turned over in no time, because they lost their transverse stability. "Osl'abia" was lost because of shot-holes on the level of the waterline. She went down steadily. "Suvorov", having lost all her secondary side plating, was sunk by torpedoing. The ships got turned over when their list was more than 6°-7", and water flooded the battery deck through shot-holes in the ship's sides. But even after the ship's secondary side plating had been demolished, the ships kept buoyant as long, as they were able to retain vertical position. The injured "Suvorov" was able to keep vertical,
though she had still considerable amount of load in her holds and was bereft of her upper superstructures. The hold crew of "Orel" managed to repair her list, when it appeared, thanks to good organization of works. If the Japanese used armor-piercing shells, three sister ships of Borodino class wound be sunk earlier, because they sustained enormous number of hits.
EFFECT OF FRAGMENTS OF HIGH-EXPLOSIVE PROJECTILES Japanese projectiles burst into fragments of different sizes, most of them being small-sized, not more than big sand grains. Design of constructions of the Russian ships didn't take into account
Vladimir V. Arbuzov "Borodino" class armored ships"
51
Damages of the spardeck.
Damages of the after bridge.
protection from being injured by small splits, whereas the latter did much harm, because they reached every slot and hole. Though the main armor protection of "Orel" was damaged nowhere, most men of rank and officers were killed or wounded while being protected by armor plates - in the gun turrets, conning tower, casemates and batteries. Shell splinters might pass through the gun embrasures, into the clearance of the conning tower and gun ports of the casemates. Two commanders of the gun turrets lost their sight because of shell-splinters, which came through the aperture sights of the armored hoods. Fragments, got into the conning tower, were rebounding from the floor, walls and armored roof and destroying range founders, speaking tubes, engine telegraphs and steering wheels.
Projectiles, bursting on the water surface near the ship, smashed into many fragments, which pierced unprotected hull parts holing them like a sieve. These shot-holes couldn't be seen behind inner nonconstructive boards, so they remained not stopped up. Splinters disabled all the boats and motor launches very soon, destroyed rigging and signal halyard, wrecked minor-caliber quickfiring guns mounted on bridges, as well as searchlights, various meters, water supply pipes, tanks, fire extinguishers and diverse internal equipment. Small fragments got even into muzzles of the guns. The 6" gun of port aft turret of "Orel" got obstructed by a splinter, which left unobserved. The gun was charged by a segment projectile, that couldn't come to its place. It couldn't be disch-
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
52
arged either in the combat environment, so the gun was disabled. External walls of muzzles of many guns were pierced by large splinters to the depth of 25.4 mm. In the forward 12" gun turret of "Orel" the muzzle of one of the guns was. cut in half by the shell, the first half of it having been thrown to the upper forward bridge, where three men were killed by it. The fragments of 6" and even 8" caliber projectiles had small penetrative force. The were held even by thin cabin bulkheads; when they hit people, they didn't injure them very much, most often being held up in the skin.
12" gun turret of "Borodino", the armored hood was torn up and the commander killed. Thin hoods of the 6" gun turrets were readily tom up by gases, given off by high-explosive projectiles. Turret mechanisms continued to operate effectively, but electrical connections failed most often. 6" gun turrets withstood many hits of 6" caliber high-explosive projectiles, but were destroyed by burst of 12" caliber shell. Plates got tom up from the riveted hull, rollers were distorted, the roof came down. CONNING TOWERS
DRAWBACKS OF TURRET CONSTRUCTION
In Tsushima battle conning towers of all the armored ships of Borodino-class were severely The roofs of 6" gun turrets didn't withstand damaged. The conning tower of "Suvorov" bursts even of 6" caliber shells, their 25.4 mm- suffered serious injures in the beginning of the thick plates sagging and butts of plates disjointing. battle. All the officers present were wounded or The burst of 8" caliber shell tore up the 63.5 mm- killed, the commander-in-cheif was wounded in thick roof of 12" gun turret of "Orel" along the butt the head. All the equipment, controlling fire, and caused its edges to bend inside, this reducing steering system and machinery was destroyed. the value of the angle of elevation of the gun, the The conning tower was deserted, because it effective range being limited to 30 cables because couldn't be used as the central control room. The conning tower of "Borodino" was destroyed by of it. . When a large-caliber shell burst on the roof of 12" caliber shell, coming from behind, in the Number of guns in the board fire Caliber of guns
The Russians
The Japanese
First group of armored ships
First group of combat ships with "Oslyabya"
First group of combat ships
305
16
16
16
254
-
4
1
203
-
-
152
24
29
40
75 or 76 Total
40 80
50 99
50 113
RELATION BETWEEN. FORCES OF FIRST DETACHMENTS OF MAIN FORCES, LED BY Z. H. ROZHESTVENSKI AND H. TOGO IN THE BATTLE OF 14 TH MAY,
1905
6
Fleet armored ship "Slava". FLEEr ARMORED SHIP "SLAVA"
_
It is the fifth ship of the series of "Borodino" class armored ships. She hadn't been built in time to enter the Second Pacific squadron and was finished just after the Russo-Japanese war had ended. At that time everywhere in shipdocks ships of classes, preceding the well-known dreadnought, were built. And yet this ship took part in another war. 4 th October, 1917, "Slava" together with the capital ship "Grazhdanin" ("Citizen", former "Tsesarevich") and armored cruiser "Bayan" joined the battle against two German dreadnoughts, two cruisers and eleven destroyers, led by vice-admiral Benk, in the Baltic Sea, near Moonzund islands. During this battle "Slava" was hit seven times by shells of 305-mm caliber and two of them hit below the waterline. The ship was filled with 1130 t of sea water and heeled heavily. Her increased draft didn't allow the ship to pass safely the Moonzund channel, and her crew was forced to sink her.
54
Armored ships of the world. Issue I
entrance aperture. All the officers were wounded remained unprotected. The mushroom- shaped or killed, the control was transferred to the engine apron plate didn't let shell fragments to go further, when they were rebounded from below, and control room. The conning tower of "Orel" was destroyed directed them inside the conning tower. Additioby three 6" caliber shells. All equipment was nal horizontal 24.4 mm-thick apron plates, moundemolished, but the steering whed remained ted at the top of the vertical armor plates, were fortunately safe. The ship was controlled from the guarding from small splinters, but they were conning tower till the end of the battle. This usually tom up, when shells burst below apertures. The starboard apron plate on the board of function was performed by a senior officer, who "Orel" was tom up by burst of 8" caliber shell and had been shell-shocked. The main drawback of the conning towers of thrown into the room; the suspended range finder the Russian armored ships was inadequate const- was brought down and the board with all the ruction of their roof, which overlapped the vertical speaking tubes was demolished. The othef 8" armor cylinder by 30 cm, this edge being curved caliber shell struck 50,8 mm-thick overhang of the down to form mushroom-shaped apron plate. roof and cut it through. The roof was bent down Meanwhile a 30 cm-wide space between the armor from above by burst of 8" caliber high-explosive plate and the armor cylinder of the conning tower projectile.
Armored ships "Grazhdaninjformer "Tsesarevich") and "Slava" on their way towards fighting . positions.
"Slava" under fire of the German battleships "Konig' and "Kronprinz" October4, 1917.
Vladimir V. Arbuzoy "Borodino" class armored ships"
ss
October4, 1917 at 0.25 p.h. "Slava" had three hits below the water line. Her draught increased thus preventing her from passing through the Moonzund channel, and her crew was compelled to sink her.
"Slava" in the Moonzund channeL The photograph was taken on October 14, 1917 on the board of one of German ships. Muzzle of 305-mm gun had been cut off during the battle and thrown over to the conning bridge.
Hull o!"Slava" in 20 s.
Squadron fighting during the Russo-Japanese war allowed to make conclusion, that the main part in the battle was played by major-caliber guns. After the war guns of305-mm and of greater calibers had been mounted on the board of nearly all the battleships, the length of their tubes increased to 45 or 50 calibers. As an auxiliary artillery, 120, 127 and 152-mm guns were used, they took the place of minor-caliber guns. Training fights used to be fought at the distance from 80 cables. Immediately after the Russo-Japanese war English shipbuilders began to construct the superarmorclad "Dreadnought". A new era came - the era of dreadnoughts.
Major caliber guns of the "Poltava" dreadnought.
In this publication there are used documents, drawings and photographs from the Central State Archive of the Russian Navy in St. Petersburg, information out of documents of the General Naval Staff of Russia of 1906-1907 period and memoirs of V. P. Kostenko, who took part in the Tsushima battle, "On the board of "Orel" in Tsushima battle" ("Sudpromgiz" Publishers, 1955). A number of photographs was presented to the author by "Oblik" Publishers.
DEAR READERS "INTERPOISK" Publishers speciality is issuing of magazines, booklets, dealing with the history of the Navy, in Russian and in English. Presently we are planning to publish in English the following books: "Use of barbette carriages on board of warships", "Predecessors of dreadnoughts in the Baltic Fleet of Russia", "British armorclads "Nile" and "Trafalgar", "British armorclads "Victoria" and "Sans Pareil". We are hopeful of these books to arouse some interest of amateurs of the history of the Navy.
"INTERPOISK" Publishers Russia, 171280, Tverskaya obI., Konakovo-2, P. O. B. AOOT «l1BaH <J>eAopoB». 3aK. 10306.
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© Vladimir V. Arbuzov, 1993
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"Slava" in Helsigfors February 1917.
