Looking towards Port Arthur from a bomb-proof

Looking towards Port Arthur from a bomb-proof

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This picture, taken from one of the bomb-proofs in the rear of the fighting line of the Japanese, gives a very good idea of the heights of Port Arthur on which the frowning forts were erected. The hills were so close together and all so well fortified that no one of them could be said to be the "key" to Port Arthur. All were so arranged that each was commanded by two or three others ; when one was taken it drew Russian fire from the neighboring forts until it became untenable. When the Japanese had driven the Russians from 203 Meter Hill they were unable to mount guns of large caliber there, or do aught but locate a station from which to direct a final assault. Yet the capture of "203" was decisive. On September 19th the Japanese had lost 2,000 men in trying to take it. They had failed. Then for two months they sapped, and on December 4th succeeded in taking it. It meant the beginning of the end, for from here the shells of the eleven-inch mortars were directed with mathematical precision.

1 stereograph. 2 photomechanical prints on stereo card : halftone, stereograph, color ; 9 x 18 cm

1905 Ingersoll, T.W.

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