Russo-Japanese War

[Gusington]

Thanks Toonces, checking it out now...

[Slick Wilhelm]

but I prefer " The sun at rising tide? " it's a book that was published in the erly 1970s.

I think you mean "The Tide at Sunrise". Indeed, an excellent book! I found a copy in a used bookstore a few years back, and it makes for very interesting reading.

http://www.amazon.com/Tide-Sunrise-History-Japanese-1904-1905/dp/B0045PGBMM/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354308913&sr=1-2&keywords=the+tide+at+sunrise

[Bismarck]

but I prefer " The sun at rising tide? " it's a book that was published in the erly 1970s.

I think you mean "The Tide at Sunrise". Indeed, an excellent book! I found a copy in a used bookstore a few years back, and it makes for very interesting reading.

http://www.amazon.com/Tide-Sunrise-History-Japanese-1904-1905/dp/B0045PGBMM/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354308913&sr=1-2&keywords=the+tide+at+sunrise

+1 I used this book in one of my game reviews.

[besilarius]

If you are looking for insights into Japanese Society in this period, Clouds above the Hill, may be worth a look.
http://www.amazon.com/Clouds-above-Hill-historical-Russo-Japanese/dp/0415508762/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354385399&sr=1-2&keywords=clouds+on+the+hill

It is more in line with books on the American Civil War like North and South.  Focusing on a few individuals, and what they saw and experienced throughout the conflict.
Clouds is only concerned with the Japanese experience, and while it does not glorify Japan's military or it's success, the book is clearly aimed at a new generation of Japanese who do not know their history.  In this way, it can be very informative to outsiders trying to fathom how the Japanese nation did it.
The military details are way too few, and the style of writing is very elliptical at times.  Probably a cultural way of viewing the nation's history.
Would not highly recommend this book, but if you want to get a deeper understanding of the Meiji restoration, and the transformation of the country and society, then it can be worthwhile

[LongBlade]

Hey, JH. The book I've been reading, Sydney Tyler's The Japan-Russia War seems to be paydirt. He was an experienced war correspondent who was at the front as the war unfolded.

I have skipped ahead through two-thirds of the book to get to the meat of the siege of Port Arthur.

First, the Russian fleet had been driven back form the port.

Second, There were a number of hills around the port with fortifications, but the most important of these was Hill 203, which was the highest hill in the area and commanded a view of the entire area. The Japanese attempted several times to take the hill, and finally managed in late November. I think that spells the beginning of the end.

Russia was attempting to bring its Baltic Fleet from the east to help relieve the pressure it was facing in the west, but I don't think it makes it.

I'm still reading will keep you posted, but I highly recommend this book if you're seeking a first-hand account: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0008BJDSG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0008BJDSG&linkCode=as2&tag=grogheads-20

[LongBlade]

Taking 203 Meter Hill was a months-long struggle. Heavy artillery was used to pound the defenders, followed by infantry charges that saw heavy casualties.

Engineers then created parallel trenches allowing the infantry to move higher up the hill under cover. Eventually the Japanese won the hill, pulled their guns up, and unleashed them on everything below.

Taking that hill appears to be the decisive moment in battle.

If you need more LMK.

[LongBlade]

The remnants of the Russian fleet had been sheltering in Port Arthur's harbor. Once 203 Meter Hill was taken the Japanese could easily bombard them and quickly rendered five of the seven remaining ships unseaworthy or sunk.

Using mines the Japanese sapped the walls of Port Arthur, blowing holes in the fort.

I can give a blow-by-blow if you'd like but I think it's clear that taking 203 Meter Hill was the decisive moment in the campaign.

[bob48]

Its pretty incredible that the Russian 2nd Pacific Squadron sailed 18,000 miles, with no bases, purchasing all its supplies along the way, although Germany did provide some coal supplies. The squadron consisted of some 50 ships and required half a million tonnes of coal for the trip which took 7.1/2 months.

After all that, it was decimated in the battle of Tsushima.

[Gusington]

There are a few books just on Tsushima itself that I don't think were mentioned above:

The Tsar's Last Armada:
http://www.amazon.com/Tsars-Last-Armada-Voyage-Tsushima/dp/0465057926/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354459699&sr=1-1&keywords=tsushima

Russo-Japanese Naval War:
http://www.amazon.com/Russo-Japanese-Naval-1905-Vol-Maritime/dp/8389450488/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354459699&sr=1-2&keywords=tsushima

I thought there was a book simply titled 'Tsushima' also but I can't find it.

[besilarius]

Think this book has been mentioned before, but if you're looking for a really good overview of the Nineteenth century warfare, The Art of War: Waterloo to Mons, by William McElwee, is really good.

http://www.amazon.com/Art-Waterloo-Mons-William-Mcelwee/dp/025331075X

McElwee was a lecturer at Sandhurst Military Academy, and I think the book is the class he taught to the students there.  Very readable, lots of unusual insights and stories that I've never heard of elsewhere.  His section on what the European militaries learned from the American Civil War is very good.
A good, informative book that is available from Amazon.

[Volcano]

I recently read an interesting article about this prelude to WWI, in terms of tactics, weaponry and staggering casualties.  Was wondering if there are any games that simulate it.  Anything anyone can recommend?

Perhaps it has already been said but...

Regarding boardgames on the topic, try "The Tide at Sunrise" from MMP.  It is simple and easy to play and some fun can be had there (solitaire works too). I always like wargaming the lesser known conflicts.

At some point I would like to work on a PC game on the topic, maybe based on the FWWC series engine and perhaps Tsushima, externally, plays a role on the outcome of the campaign but... so much to do...   :o

[magnus]

 +1 The Art of War: Waterloo to Mons, by William McElwee

Excellent book I have it around here somewhere.

[Nefaro]

The remnants of the Russian fleet had been sheltering in Port Arthur's harbor. Once 203 Meter Hill was taken the Japanese could easily bombard them and quickly rendered five of the seven remaining ships unseaworthy or sunk.

Using mines the Japanese sapped the walls of Port Arthur, blowing holes in the fort.

I can give a blow-by-blow if you'd like but I think it's clear that taking 203 Meter Hill was the decisive moment in the campaign.

Another fatal blow was the loss of Admiral Makarov, on his flagship, to a mine. 

He seemed to be about the only capable Russian leader in the theater. He whipped up the Pacific squadron, that had been hiding in Port Arthur for a long time, into shape and then sent the Japanese blockade forces running when he sortied.  Unfortunately for the Russians,  his flagship struck the aforementioned mine on the way back in to port and he was killed along with many others aboard.   

[Boggit]

FWIW, TOAWIII does have a R-J War scenario called Double Eagle-Rising Sun 1904-1905.  This seems to combine naval action and land combat elements.  However, a quick glance at the map shows the Korean peninsula only. I didn't see any part of the Chinese geography.

Jarhead :)

Have another look at it - you might need to move the screen map around a bit, but IIRC it covers the Manchuria, Port Arthur area etc. If you want to go "golden oldie", try Age of Rifles which covers a number of battles - I think also as a campaign? (I'm a bit hazy hear since it's been years since I played it).