[Extracted from the Fleet and Divisional “Confidential Orders.”]
GENERAL INSTRUCTION TO THE COMBINED FLEET BY ADMIRAL TOGO.
These battle plans show the scheme to be followed when the full strength of the Combined Fleet meets the enemy’s fleet, of nearly equal force, and joins battle with them. Of course, the conditions of warfare are always changing in accordance with the strategy adopted by ourselves and the enemy; we cannot always expect to have an open fight in the open sea. It is therefore impossible to foresee the future and definitely settle all details, and what is explained below is merely the absolute essentials of the movements which must be followed by the various units when the whole fleet is engaged. If it is found that these do not meet the case, further orders will be issued according to circumstances.
(1) The Duties of each Part of the Fleet.
(a) The First and Second Divisions, forming the main fighting force, are deputed to destroy the enemy’s 2nd Class cruisers and above. Until the action becomes a chase they are not to act independently, but always to fight in combination.
(b) The Third and Fourth Divisions, forming a detached squadron, are to engage the enemy’s weaker ships and destroyers, also to destroy and capture damaged or isolated ships. They are also to protect our destroyers from the attacks of fast cruisers.
(c) The Chihaya and Tatsuta’s main duty is to run down and destroy the enemy’s destroyers and torpedo-boats; if opportunity offers they are to try torpedo attacks on the enemy’s fleet.
(d) All the destroyer and torpedo-boat flotillas are to withdraw at the beginning of the action and manœuvre as convenient. If they see a favourable chance they are to attack the enemy’s ships; also when the latter begin to run away in disorder they are to follow to the end, and taking advantage of darkness to blow them up.
(2) Battle Formation and Speed in Action.
(a) Each division will form in line ahead with the ship of the Officer Commanding at the head of the line. They are to change formation when necessary by altering course together.
(b) The speed of each Division is as follows:—
First Division, 15 knots.
Second Division, 17 knots.
Third Division, 18 knots.
Fourth Division, 15 knots.
Chihaya, Tatsuta, and Flotillas of destroyers and torpedo-boats as convenient.
Although the speed of each division is laid down as above, each ship may alter speed as the action progresses. During the action speed signals need not be hoisted, but signals indicating the number of revolutions must be shown.
(3) General Rules in Action.
(a) The First and Second Divisions have the battle as their primary function, and the other divisions are in no way to hamper their movements.
(b) Any ship which cannot keep up with the fleet either from damage or a fire is simply to hoist the “Disregard” flag, and leave the line as convenient.
(c) In accordance with the enemy’s distribution our fleet may be split up, but each sub-divisional unit must be kept together.
(d) In the event of a night action all ships will burn navigational (steaming) lights and speed lights. They will also hoist at the masthead a red light above a white one.
(e) During a night action the speed used must be that previous to the action, and alterations of course should not be made “together.”
(4) Positions and Formation in Action.
When the enemy’s position is accurately known and it is decided to come to action, our ships which may be dispersed in the neighbourhood will first of all be recalled by signal or telegraph; and whether or not they are engaged at the time in scouting, guard, or patrol, all divisions will proceed with all possible speed to assemble at the place occupied by the First Division. Next, at the signal “Take up positions for action,” the First Division will increase to battle speed and steam for a position suitable for getting contact with the enemy, and the remainder of the fleet will form on the First Division as shown on the accompanying figure.
While in this formation each part of the fleet will steam with the same speed as that of the First Division, which will shape the proper course; the other ships keeping their relative positions. This formation must be maintained till within about 8,000 yards of the enemy. The Chihaya, Tatsuta, and the 3rd destroyer division will specially guard the van against attacks by destroyers or torpedo-boats. If these should advance against us, they are to go ahead and exert their full strength to disperse and destroy them.
(5) Commencement of the Action and essential Points of our Movements.
When, in the formation shown in the previous article, we approach the enemy and are nearly within battle range, the ship of the Commander-in-Chief will hoist the Battle Flag (the Naval Flag at the mainmast-head), and give the order to engage. Whereupon the 3rd destroyer division and the Chihaya and Tatsuta (but only if there are no destroyers coming to attack us) will alter course and retire to the rear, leaving the way open for the battle squadron. The other destroyer and torpedo-boat divisions will change station to the side which will probably be disengaged, and the formation will break up, each division increasing to its own proper battle speed and making the following movements:—
(a) The First Division will select the division of the enemy easiest to attack and take up a T position against it, as shown below, making movements to press the enemy’s leading ship as much as possible.
It may alter course together as convenient, in order to maintain the T formation with the enemy. However, it must be noted that the point selected for the first attack will not necessarily be the main strength of the enemy and will change in accordance with the enemy’s formations, the point chosen being that where our attack will apparently be most effective. If our tactics are as above, the enemy will adopt correlative tactics with the certain result that the fleets will ultimately steam on the same or on opposite courses. When this happens the course will sometimes be altered about 4 points together to maintain the proper battle range, or altered 16 points together to change the side engaged.
(b) The Second Division will pay great attention to the enemy’s movements with the object of bringing a cross fire to bear upon the enemy, or to place between two fires the section of the enemy’s line which is being engaged by the First Division. To this end it will either follow the course of the First Division or the opposite course, moving in such a manner as to form with the First Division the letter L, round the enemy. The two divisions will then strongly attack the enemy with a cross fire.
After the action has opened in this manner, the First and Second Divisions, without regard to which of them is making the main and which the subsidiary attack, will co-operate in developing a powerful combination upon a part of the enemy, either of the divisions taking up a position for the main attack according to the circumstances of the moment. We will then take in hand another section of the enemy, the essential principle being that we concentrate our whole force upon one part of the enemy, and do not each select our own objective.
(c) The Third and Fourth Divisions will follow the directions given in the Article 1 of these remarks and make appropriate movements paying great attention to the combinations or dispersals of the enemy, especially to the movements of his cruisers, which are to be prevented from attacking our destroyers and torpedo-boats. When a favourable opportunity offers they are to enfilade one wing of that division of the enemy which is engaging our main squadron, provided this will not hamper the movements of the main squadron. When the decisive moment of the action is past they are to attack any damaged or isolated ships they may see, giving them no time to recover. If any of the enemy’s ships are seen attempting to escape, they are to chase them at full speed and stop them.
(d) The Chihaya and Tatsuta will follow the directions given in the Article 1 of these remarks, acting independently according to circumstances, and will chase the enemy’s destroyers and torpedo-boats and endeavour to destroy them. Moreover, if opportunity offers they will attempt torpedo attacks on the enemy’s disabled and isolated ships.
(e) The destroyer and torpedo-boat divisions will follow the directions given in the Article 1 of these remarks, and at the beginning of the action will move away as convenient to a position out of range of the enemy’s guns, whence they will watch the progress of the action. When a good opportunity appears (a specially good occasion will be when the enemy’s auxiliary armament is temporarily silenced by the effect of our shells) they will boldly attack the enemy’s fleet. The 1st destroyer division should combine with the 2nd, the 4th with the 5th, and the 14th torpedo-boat division with the 9th, in order to ensure the effectiveness of the attack, but the 3rd destroyer division will always attack independently. When the enemy begins to disperse and run away in all directions, the flotillas may break up into divisional units, follow them up and, taking advantage of the dark, will blow them up. Also, according to circumstances, they may go on ahead and wait outside the enemy’s naval ports, and attack his ships on their return.
(f) The Officer Commanding each part of the fleet will decide the tactics and the use of the armament and torpedoes of the part under his command.
The above tactics were for an action in which the whole of the Combined Fleet should meet the enemy. In addition Admiral Togo settled the tactics to be carried out when only the First Division came in contact with the enemy’s fleet. Under the heading of Tactics of the First Division it was divided into sections dealing with Battle Formation and Battle Speed, Battle Tactics, Use of Guns and Torpedoes; it was issued to the First Division on 10th January and was as follows:—
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO THE FIRST DIVISION BY ADMIRAL TOGO.
These plans are a forecast of the essentials of the tactics to be adopted when the First Division, acting independently, meets the enemy’s fleet. I consider the power of offence and defence of this division to be very great, and that, however strong an enemy we may meet, if we adopt the plan of concentrating our whole strength and attacking the enemy part by part, there is not the slightest probability of our defeat. Therefore it must be clearly understood that the tactics given below are to be followed regardless of whether the enemy is superior or not.
1. Battle Formation and Speed.
(a) The normal formation will be an undulating line with my flagship at the head and the flagship of the Second in Command at the rear. As convenient the ships will alter course together and steam in line abreast or in single quarter line. Sometimes we shall turn 16 points together whereby the order of the ships will be reversed, the rear ship becoming leader of the line. Therefore whatever the head, rear, or direction of advance, the formation will always be single line. The arrangement of the ships is shown below:—
1st Subdivision.—1. Mikasa (Flag). 2. Asahi. 3. Fuji.
2nd Subdivision.—4. Yashima. 5. Shikishima. 6. Hatsuse (Flag).
(b) The speed in action will be 15 knots in general. If there are no special orders this speed is to be used. But, if in accordance with the enemy’s speed, there is no necessity for high speed, there may be a reduction to 14 knots. After the order for battle speed has been given, each ship will haul down her speed signal, leaving up only the revolution signal. After this every alteration of speed will be indicated thus: “half speed” will always mean half the present speed, and “slow speed” will be fixed at 4 knots.
2. The fundamental tactics of this Division will be those described in the Commander-in-Chief’s “General Instructions,” Section 5 (a), namely a T-shaped formation. Whether the T be upright or not, we will maintain this position
with regard to the enemy and concentrate our whole fire on the end of their line. If we cannot do otherwise we will steam parallel to them on the same or opposite course, and exchange fire under equal conditions. Although we cannot always maintain the proper battle range, we will attempt to choose a range of not less than 3,000 metres. If the enemy is inferior to us we will break up into subdivisions as convenient, and, as explained in the Commander-in-Chief’s General Instructions, Article 5 (b), will take up the L formation, and subject the enemy to a cross fire (the order for this being the hoisting of a time flag). When this occurs,
the 2nd subdivision’s leading ship, observing a favourable opportunity, will go to the right or left and adopt a separate movement so as to form the L with the 1st Subdivision. When the L is formed both subdivisions will continue the attack and combine to develop a crossfire.
When we are fighting in the L formation, should there come a time when it seems advisable to return into single line and adopt the T formation, either the 1st or 2nd Subdivision will alter course together the requisite number of points and, as shown in the accompanying diagram, follow the other Subdivision. Although the numerical order of the ships in the line will become confused this will be disregarded and single line will be formed as convenient.
In short, this Division will make its main formation the T, changing as occasion serves to the L formation by breaking into subdivisions. Since in the latter case there will be neither head nor rear, the foremost or the wing ship will always be considered the leader of the line without regard to the seniority of the officer commanding it.
3. Points concerning the use of Guns and Torpedoes.
(a) There will be no special orders given as to the time when to open fire. When within a range of less than 6,000 metres each Captain is to open effective fire as convenient at his own discretion. At more than 3,500 metres expect only 1 per cent, of hits. There must therefore be no hurried or careless firing.
(b) The object to be kept in view is a concentration of fire on van, rear, or wing of the enemy, bearing in mind the essence of the Battle Plan. But in accordance with the varying circumstances the officer commanding any ship is at liberty to disregard this and direct its fire on any object upon which it will have most useful effect.
(c) The T and L formations are designed to give us the maximum use of our guns, and there will be no special alteration—formation or closing with the enemy with the idea of making an opportunity for firing torpedoes; but if in the course of the action there should be a chance of using them with effect, the “A” Class1 should be discharged. Ships in the line may alter course not more than 2 points for this purpose.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SECOND DIVISION BY ADMIRAL KAMIMURA.
Vice-Admiral Kamimura, Commanding the Second Division, drew up a plan of tactics to be carried out when the Second Division met the enemy alone. He divided it under the following articles — Battle Formation, Battle Speed, Plan of Action, Use of Guns and Torpedoes, and Firing and Tactics against Destroyers and Torpedo-Boats. These Tactical Instructions for independent action of the Second Division were issued to the Division on 21st January. They were as follows:—
1. These are the main points of the tactics to be employed when the Second Division engages the enemy alone.
2. In these tactics the main formation will be the T formation of the General Instructions to the Combined Fleet. This will be changed to an L formation when our squadron is stronger than the enemy.
Battle Formation.
3. In Battle Formation my flagship will lead the line, the Rear-Admiral’s flagship bringing up the rear. The line will be normally an undulating one, but the formation and order of the ships will be changed if necessary. When this happens the leading ship or that at the end of the wing will take on the duty of leading the fleet without regard to the seniority of its Commanding Officer, and she will conduct the other ships to advantageous positions.
Order of the Ships.
1. Idzumo (Flag). 2. Adzuma. 3. Asama. 4. Yakumo. 5. Tokiwa. 6. Iwate (Flag).
Ships must always try not to fall astern of station.
Battle Speed.
4. Battle speed is 17 knots and in the absence of special orders this speed will be used. Slow speed will be 5 knots, and half speed will be half way between the speed at the moment and slow speed.
5. Except on special occasions the speed flag will not be hoisted, the only hoist being to show the number of revolutions.
Battle Plan.
6. When we engage an enemy of equal or superior strength we will maintain our original line and use our speed to get into the T formation with the enemy, concentrating the fire of our whole line on his leading ship or the end of his line. The chief points of the tactics to be followed by our leading ship during the action are:—
(a) The leading ship is always to steer straight for the enemy’s leading ship or the wing nearer to us, and when at a distance of about 8,000 metres (8,700 yards) to alter course to Starboard or Port as convenient.
(b) If, as a result of the movements of both fleets, we are steaming in the opposite direction to their course, our superior speed is to be utilised to bring us into the T formation with the head, rear, or wing of the enemy, and when we have passed them we will always put the helm over towards the disengaged side.
(c) Should we be steaming on the same course and the enemy appear to be about to turn outwards, or to be going ahead of us, we will also turn outwards. When we are getting ahead of them, we will endeavour to use our speed to get into the T formation with them.
(d) When steaming parallel to the enemy on the same or opposite courses, if an alteration of their course does not appear to be likely to do any harm, our course is not to be altered.
(e) Though as a result of manœuvring we may approach close to the enemy, care is to be taken that the range is not less than 3,000 metres (3,300 yards).
7. When the enemy is weaker than us, the tactics mentioned above must be used. But when we intend to attack an inferior force, the following order is to be adopted.
6 (Flag). 5. 4. 1 (Flag). 2. 3.
In these circumstances the following principles are to be attended to as well as those indicated in the above articles, the general idea being to force the enemy to fight parallel to us. At the proper time my flagship will hoist a “Move together” flag, and will turn about 8 points to Starboard or Port, as convenient, the remainder of the 1st Subdivision following in my wake. The 2nd Subdivision will wait for the hauling down of the flag, continue on the same course, increase speed, and, while endeavouring not to let the gunfire slacken, will form an undulating line in the new direction. If, owing to a change of movement on the enemy’s part, it would seem better to stop the manœuvre before it is complete, the “Move together” flag with the Negative will be hoisted for that purpose.
Fig. 1.—When the 2nd Sub-division alters course to form the L.
Fig. 2.—When the 1st Subdivision alters course to form the L.
Though there will be times when the order of the ships in the line is not as above, yet the same manœuvres are to be carried out, the leading ship of the leading or rear subdivision moving as explained above and the other ships of its subdivision following in its wake. In all cases my flagship will show by hoisting the “Move together” flag the time for the operation to begin.
8. During the action when a portion of our squadron is to be detached in order to make the L formation, my flagship will indicate this by hoisting the “Show Time” signal. (Sometimes the name of the ship which is to perform this manœuvre will be indicated.) Whereupon the 2nd subdivision, or the ship whose name has been indicated, is to move according to the signals of its sub-divisional commander.
N.B.—As a result of this manœuvre the Subdivisions will become separated, and considerable loss of power will take place. Therefore they must take great care to maintain connection with one another.
Fig. 1.—1st Subdivision as head of line.
Fig. 2.—2nd Subdivision as head of line.
When we are fighting in the L formation and a return to the T formation seems advantageous, either the 1st or 2nd Subdivision, according to circumstances, will turn together as convenient and follow the other Subdivision. Single line ahead will be formed as convenient without regard to the order of the ships in the line.
Use of Guns.
9. There will be no special signals to open fire, this being left to the individual discretion of the officer commanding each ship. At ranges of more than 4,500 metres (4,900 yards) rapid firing is to be avoided, and all the preliminary adjustments are to be carried out with the greatest care. At ranges of less than 4,500 metres the adjustments connected with the enemy’s speed are to be omitted, and the bow of the ship is to be the point aimed at.
Use of Torpedoes.
10. There will be no changes of formation or movement made to close with the enemy in order to get a good opportunity for discharging torpedoes, but preparations are to be made for discharging them and care taken that a possible chance is not let slip. If there is a favourable opportunity of using them during the action, a ship may alter course not more than two points for this purpose, returning as quickly as possible after discharge to the original course.
Gunfire and Movements against Destroyers and Torpedo-boats.
11. When Destroyers or Torpedo-boats are noticed making a rapid approach to attack, you are to fire upon them, aiming at a point half their length ahead of them. Occasionally, to avoid torpedo attacks or to increase gunfire, an alteration of course together will be made.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO THE THIRD DIVISION BY REAR-ADMIRAL DEWA.
Rear-Admiral Dewa, second in command of the First Squadron, also drew up a scheme of tactics for use when the Third Division should meet the enemy alone. It was called the “Battle Plan of the Third Division,” and was divided under the headings—Battle Formation, Battle Speed, Engaging, Tactics, Use of Guns and Torpedoes both when each ship was acting independently and when the Division was detached for some special duty. It was issued to the squadron on January 20th, and was as follows:—
This Division is the eyes and ears of the fleet, and when occupied in search duties or scouting will sometimes engage the cruisers of the enemy independently. Moreover, when the whole of the Combined Fleet is in action they must take advantage of their high rate of speed to assist the power of the main squadron. These rules are framed in view of the tactics to be adopted in the above circumstances.
1. Battle Formation.
1st Subdivision.—1. Chitose (Flag). 2. Takasago.
2nd Subdivision.—3. Kasagi. 4. Yoshino.
The main formation will be single line ahead in the above order and at the usual distances; but there will be occasional alterations of course of four or eight points together according to convenience. The most important point for each ship to notice is merely whether the turn is to Starboard or Port. When the flagship is not the leading ship, owing to a 16 point turn inverting the line or from any other cause, the ship which happens to be headmost will lead the other ships without regard to the seniority of its commanding officer, and adopt movements suited to the tactical plan. If the ships are separated and there is an order to proceed in the flagship’s wake, they will form up in single line ahead as quickly as possible and without regard to the order in the line.
2. Battle Speed.
Usual Speed, 18 knots. Half-speed, half the speed at the moment.
Minimum speed, 4 knots. Angle of helm 25°.
There will be no special speed order, but as soon as the Battle Flag is hoisted, the speed flag is to be hauled down and speed increased to 18 knots, increasing the revolutions 10 at a time. When orders are given to chase the enemy at full speed and there seems no necessity for maintaining the line ahead formation or that of subdivisional units, speed is to be increased to 22 knots. If the Kasagi is unable to keep up she is not to wait for orders but to hoist the Disregard Flag and, drawing out of the line, manœuvre as convenient.
3. Opening of the Action.
When we are steaming (A) in Battle Order or (B) independently, and the leading ship sights the enemy and hoists the Battle Flag, each ship, following motions, will also hoist this flag, and increase to battle speed. To prevent the flag from falling, if the halliards should be shot away, it is to be lashed to the mast above and below.
In case (A) the following tactics should be adopted. When on the engaged side of the battle line ships will, according to circumstances, either turn together to Starboard, alter course in succession, and threaten to take the enemy between two fires. When on the disengaged side of the battle line they will continue steaming without alteration of course, regulating their subsequent movements by those of the leading division.
In case (B), the leading ship will steam straight towards the enemy’s leading ship or nearer wing and at about 8,000 metres (8,700 yards) range, we will turn in succession to Starboard or Port as convenient and open the action.
4. Tactical Plan.
The tactics to be used by this division against the enemy are the same as those of the First and Second Divisions, that is, to form a T with the enemy, concentrate our whole fire on one end of his line, and destroy his ships one by one. In accordance with this plan, course may be altered together to change the formation or to maintain the battle range. When steaming parallel to the enemy this division will use its high speed to take up a position in advance of the enemy and try to make the T formation with the head of his line; if the range is appropriate “A” class torpedoes may be used. Should the enemy be weaker than ourselves we will form subdivisions and, as explained in Section 5 (b) of the General Instructions for Combined Fleet, form a letter L round the enemy and subject him to a cross fire. The order for this manœuvre will be the hoisting of an “Indicate Time” flag, upon which the leading ship of the 2nd Subdivision will move out to Starboard or Port as convenient and make the movements necessary to form the letter L. Both subdivisions must take the greatest care not to lose touch.
5. Rules for the Use of Guns.
(a) There will be no special order given to open fire, but each Captain may at his own discretion give orders to commence firing as convenient as soon as the range is less than 6,000 metres (6,600 yards). Rapid firing is not to be carried out at ranges greater than 4,000 metres (4,400 yards).
(b) The range is in general to be 3,500 metres (3,800 yards), and ships will endeavour not to approach nearer than 3,000 metres (3,300 yards).
(c) The object to be aimed at is the enemy’s leading, rear, or wing ship; but any Captain may disregard this at discretion, if the strength of the enemy permits, and choose as his target the object on which the fire of his ship will have the greatest effect.
(d) At the opening of the action, when by trial firing the range of the nearest enemy is known, numeral flags showing the hundreds of metres in the range should be hoisted at the foremast. Other ships need not necessarily take in the signal.
(e) When we are in single line ahead the rear ship may temporarily alter course less than two points in order to fire her heavy guns, but care must be taken not to get astern of station.
6. Rules for the Use of Torpedoes.
Since the action will be mainly fought out by guns, there will be no special alterations of formation or closing on the enemy in order to make opportunities for discharging torpedoes. However, should a good chance of using them occur during the action, ships should discharge “A” class torpedoes. A temporary alteration of two points is sanctioned for this purpose, but immediately after the discharge ships must return to the original course.
7. Occasions when Ships may Manœuvre Independently.
(a) After the formation has been broken up.
(b) When about to be rammed or in case of danger to another ship.
Except in these cases independent movement is not permitted to ships without orders. Should the line be cut by the enemy, the rear ships must do their utmost to come up with and follow on after the ships at the head of the line.
8. Tactical Plan when the Third Division has Special Duties to perform.
(a) Ships of equal strength with ours are the seven ships, Dmitri Donskoi, Bogatuir, Varyag, Pallada, Diana, Avrora, and Askold. In material fighting strength there are points in which they excel us, but if we add our own moral fighting power there is nothing to cause us the slightest anxiety in a fight with four out of these seven ships. The tactical plan will not differ from that detailed above.
(b) Against an enemy stronger than ourselves, such as a 1st-class battleship or 1st-class cruiser, the plan we must follow is repeatedly to alter course and manœuvre without impeding the movements of the other divisions, closing in if necessary to help them, and generally endeavouring to confuse the enemy.
(c) Against weaker ships than ourselves, such as the Boyarin, Novik, Almaz, or smaller ships, all we have to do is to form a T or an L and destroy them at once.
(d) Against the enemy’s destroyers or torpedo-boats the most important point to attend to is always to move as rapidly as if we saw destroyers on all sides. If the enemy comes rushing from ahead, when he is about 5,000 metres (5,500 yards) away we shall alter course and form a T with him. When he has closed to less than 5,000 metres, we shall turn four points together and attack him fiercely. If he comes from anywhere else than ahead, we shall form a T and attack him from all round.
(e) After an action, if there are disabled or isolated ships, we shall form sub-divisional units or break up into single ship units, and surround the enemy to sink him, but pay great attention to his torpedoes.
(f) When chasing a running enemy we shall make the movements necessary to bring us in single line ahead or abreast on the enemy’s beam. If the enemy is weaker than two of our ships, this division will form subdivisions and come up on both quarters of the enemy, delivering a double attack on him. To order this latter movement, two “Indicate Time” flags will be hoisted, one above the other.
(g) If while scouting we meet the enemy, and he is weaker, of course he must be destroyed; but if he is equal or superior in strength, the performance of our special duty will require us to avoid action. At such a time speed will be altered as convenient, and keeping just within range we will steam away in line abreast. This will also be the mode of procedure when we are in sub-divisional units or acting singly.
(h) If we meet a superior enemy while scouting independently or ahead of the Fleet, in order to give the Main Squadron time to prepare for battle, we must make feinting attacks and retire on a false course to make them meet our Main Squadron, afterwards rejoining.
(i) During the action probably the enemy’s ships will hoist the white flag. Treat the white flag as a thing of no meaning, and take prompt steps for destroying these ships. The same conduct is to be adopted with transports so as to avoid the trouble of capturing them.
(j) Though you see our own ships damaged, unless there are other orders, you are only to think of destroying any of the enemy who still have fighting power.
(k) If our destroyers and torpedo-boats are being hard pressed by the enemy, you are to steam in between them and the enemy and drive his ships away.
9. During a night action the red and white lights hoisted at the masthead should be of the greatest possible strength.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO THE FOURTH DIVISION BY REAR-ADMIRAL URIU.
Rear-Admiral Uriu, second in command of the Second Squadron, also issued a plan of tactics for the Fourth Division to use when it should engage the enemy alone. It was divided into sections dealing with Battle Formation, Chief Points of the Tactical Movements to be carried out by the Leading Ship, Speed, Helm, Use of Guns and Torpedoes, and Fire Direction. It was called the Battle Plan of the Fourth Division and was issued to it on 28th January. It was as follows:—
1. This plan shows the tactics to be adopted when the Fourth Division engages the enemy as a single unit. These tactics will also be followed when it takes part with the Combined Fleet in an action.
2. As we are to act independently we cannot tell what our precise station will be when we take part with the Combined Fleet in an action. We shall therefore hold on as we are until we see the movements of the leading division. We will then adjust our speed to that of the First Division, so as to keep on its disengaged quarter, and taking care not to get too far away will make rapid movements as opportunity offers.
3. The general idea of our tactics will be to get into the T formation explained in the Combined Fleet’s Instructions and concentrate the fire of our whole line on the leading ship or one wing of the enemy. However, we must keep a range of not less than 3,000 metres (3,300 yards).
4. Our principal formation will be an undulating line at the ordinary distance apart, but in accordance with circumstances we may alter course together to form line abreast or single quarter line. (These will be used chiefly in chasing or retreating.) Also we may turn 16 points together to steam in the reverse direction. In these changes of formation the ship which heads the line will have the duty of leading the line as long as there are no other orders. Its CO., without regard to seniority, is to lead our division at his own discretion into the best position.
1st Subdivision.—1. Naniwa. 2. Suma. 3. (Blank.)
2nd Subdivision.—4. Akashi. 5. Takachiho.
[Note.—On January 31st Admiral Uriu amended this distribution of ships, making the Akashi No. 3 of the 1st Subdivision, and changing the 2nd Subdivision to (4) Takachiho and (5) Niitaka.]
Ships’ proper numbers are not to be changed during the action whatever may happen in the way of dispersing or breaking the line. When in Battle Formation ships may sometimes close up, but must take care not to increase the regular distance. During the action Captains of ships may slightly alter course at their own discretion if necessary to avoid the enemy’s torpedoes or to discharge their own, but they must understand that the first necessity of battle is rigidly to maintain the formation. When a ship has drawn out of the line and finds it difficult to get back to her proper station, she is not to await orders but is to become the rear ship of the line. The other ships will close up without orders.
Tactics.
5. When engaged with the enemy on the plan explained in Article 3 above, the chief points of the movements of the leading ship are as follows:—
(a) The leading ship will steam directly towards the enemy’s leading or nearer wing ship, and at a distance of about 8,000 metres (8,800 yards) will alter course to starboard or port as convenient.
(b) When, as a result of our own and the enemy’s tactics, they are steaming in the opposite direction to us, movements must be adopted to cross the T with either their leading, rear, or wing ship.
(c) When we are both steaming on the same course, if the enemy seems about to turn outwards, we will also turn outwards.
(d) In the case of a weaker enemy or a destroyer coming from ahead, we shall make an L formation and subject him to a double attack. This evolution will be ordered by an “Indicate Time” signal; when it is hauled down the ships of the rear subdivision will follow the leading ship and shape a course which will allow of an attack on the enemy’s other side.
6. Speed and Helm.
(a) Usual battle speed 15 knots; slow speed 5 knots; Helm, Naniwa’s 20°.
(b) During the action, unless there is some special reason or the Captain thinks it necessary, speed signals will not be hoisted, only the revolutions being shown.
(c) When speed is increased from ordinary to battle speed we shall increase by two knots at a time, so as not to break up the battle formation. This is also to be done when speed is to be decreased to the ordinary cruising speed. But in the latter case, if the speed flags are hoisted right up and then lowered to the half-speed position, ships should immediately drop to as near cruising speed as they can get.
7. Use of Guns.
(a) There will be no signal to commence firing; this will be left to the individual discretion of Captains.
(b) The object is to be either the leading, rear, or wing ship of the enemy, on which fire is to be concentrated. But if the enemy’s weakness permits, this rule may be disregarded and each ship may choose as target a ship on which its gunfire is likely to have most effect.
8. Use of Torpedoes.
(a) Each ship fitted for “A” class torpedoes is to have ready one torpedo at each torpedo tube.
(b) Ships fitted for “B” class or Schwartzkopff torpedo are to have one ready at each torpedo tube.
(c) The time for loading the ready torpedoes into the tubes and for getting ready and loading other torpedoes is left to the discretion of the Captains, who will judge from the progress of the action. The main consideration is to minimise the danger of a premature explosion of the torpedo by the enemy’s shell, without losing an opportunity of discharging it.
9. Fire Direction.2
(a) At ranges of more than 4,500 metres (4,900 yards) all the adjustments of the sights are to be very carefully made, but at less than 4,500 metres it will be better if adjustments for the enemy’s speed are neglected, and the bow aimed at.
(b) Against destroyers and torpedo-boats, under the conditions of the latter half of the last paragraph, it will be better to aim and fire at a point half the boat’s length ahead of it. (This half length is to be half the visible length depending on its foreshortening due to the angle of its advance.) These (a) and (b) methods are to be practised so that they are clearly understood.
(c) It is most important to economise ammunition; and as it is easy in the excitement of the moment to fall into careless wasteful firing, Captains are to see that rapid firing is not to be adopted unless the mark is being hit.
(d) Each Captain is to do the utmost that he can to keep up the warlike spirit of the men, especially in the heat of the fight. When the damage done by the enemy’s shells is great, the men’s spirits are apt to fall, even when they are winning. The Captain is therefore to encourage the men, to make them think that the enemy is suffering twice as much as themselves, and arouse in their breasts the certainty of victory. In endurance and a high spirit lies the difference between victory and defeat.
NOTE.
The above Tactical Instructions for the Combined Fleet and its several divisions were used as the basis of the actions in this war; and from the Battle of the Yellow Sea (10th August 1904), to that of the Japan Sea (27th May 1905), there was not one action which was not founded upon them.
1 These are long range torpedoes. The “A” does not refer to the diameter of the torpedo, but only to its range.
2 The Japanese has “Kibo” =wish, desire, aim.