Ministry of the Navy of the Imperial Japanese Navy – Friday, October 9, 1911
"So it's decided then?"
"Yes, Mr. Minister!"
All those present nodded thoughtfully. For three hours there was a fierce argument. Months of work had become worthless, but in the end there was no other option. In the long term, the benefits outweigh the benefits of faster availability.
"Then we will scrap all the new buildings that were laid down just a few weeks ago?"
"Yes, it's the best. We cannot simply install the machine system in the hulls planned so far. Technically possible, but then we lose the full potential of a ship design developed directly for oil firing."
"All right – it's decided. All new buildings will be demolished and the designs with oil firing will be reconstructed."
"Thank you very much, gentlemen, let's get to work!"
+ + +
Editorial of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Tuesday, September 12, 1911
The events at the shipyards did not go unnoticed. The Navy had never had a single oil-fired ship in its hands. Not a single barrel of oil had yet been extracted, and yet from now on the navy seemed to rely on this fuel.
For the lengthy new buildings, this still made sense, until they are completed, oil production would be running. However, it was already being considered to convert existing ships – even those that had just come out of the shipyard – no one could say whether there would be enough oil reserves available by then.
Then in September came what Osaki Satoshi had been speculating on for so long. The government launched a significant disinformation campaign due to the great danger of American influence in East Asia. The telegraph wires were glowing and tensions were soaring.
+ + +
Editorial Board of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Thursday, September 21, 1911
At the end of September, the oddities began. Thousands of shipyard workers were dismissed without the navy wanting to give a reason.
In the editorial office, there was incomprehension about the minister's silence. Half of Japan knew that something had happened within hours. Thousands of workers were left without income and wondered what was going on. Of course, this immediately made the rounds like wildfire.
Once again, it was Kaigun-daisa Taketomi Kunikane who was able to find out what had happened.
"The Navy is running out of money!"
"What?"
"If these two cruisers were to continue to be built, it would be over in four months and the Navy's budget would be used up."
"Is that why the trouble with the United States was instigated?"
"Yes, this has led to a higher allocation of financial resources, but it is not enough."
"The Navy is living beyond its means – can we print it?"
"If we print it, the government will close down our editorial office."
"The situation is that serious?"
"Insanely large sums are spent on the conversion of existing cruisers. The biggest problem here is the constant delays. The steel industry is completely overwhelmed. Numerous conversions are already months behind schedule and cause unexpected costs."
"What will the Navy do?"
"For starters, stop or even demolish the new buildings. But then..."
"Yes – further increase the tensions in order to get more money back into the coffers."
"That's what it boils down to."
"So we are facing a new war?"
"The Navy is not ready for that yet, but sooner or later it will happen."
+ + +
Editors of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Friday, October 6, 1911
The first news at the beginning of October was still relatively inconsequential.
But then there was a completely unexpected step. The Navy itself announced details about the latest ships under construction!
At first, Osaki Satoshi did not understand the sudden openness. He initially believed that the Navy had taken this step because the designs were no longer a secret anyway. If the government had to admit that enemy spies had stolen the plans, it would be an extraordinary loss of face. If you announced the plans yourself before it came out, there was simply no more espionage affair.
While walking in the hills, Satoshi had another thought. When the whole world learned what powerful ships Japan was building, the other navies had to react. If the other nations then increased their spending, Japan would of course have to follow suit.
"An arms race is brewing," Satoshi fabulated, turned home and immediately left for the editorial office.
+ + +
Editors of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Friday, November 3, 1911
At the beginning of November, however, there was a tangible espionage scandal. However, Japanese spies were involved in it. In Europe, a veritable spy ring was unmasked, which began to put a massive strain on relations, especially with the British Empire.
+ + +
Editorial Board of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Monday, December 18, 1911
In December, the time had come. Japan had managed to have a major or minor conflict simmering with every major country. That was probably what the military, which used increasing war rhetoric, had intended.
+ + +
Editors of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Monday, February 5, 1912
Over the turn of the year into February, the tensions subsided a little. Japan had apparently slowed down.
+ + +
Editorial office of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Monday, February 12, 1912
A few days later, Osaki Satoshi also learned the reason. Although Japan had threatened the whole world with its new powerful ships, there has been no progress in the construction of the largest of these ships so far. Japan's navy simply lacked the necessary money and so construction had been stopped.
Without modern ships, however, it was madness to start a new war.
Even the leadership of the Imperial Japanese Navy understood that!
+ + +
Extra sheet of the Tōkyō Shinbun from Monday, February 12, 1912
>> Aisin Gioro Puyi abdicates from <<
In China, the last emperor of the Qing dynasty, Aisin Gioro Puyi, resigned today. Puyi may continue to bear the title of Emperor of China and he has been granted the right to live in the Forbidden City, but he and his court no longer have anything to do with the affairs of government in China.
So far, nothing has been announced from Japanese government circles as to how Japan will react to this development. So far, there is no sign of intervention by the Imperial Japanese Navy.
Extra sheet of the Tōkyō Shinbun from Tuesday, April 16, 1912
>> Passenger Steamer RMS Titanic sunk during its maiden voyage! <<
In the course of the day it became known that the new passenger steamer RMS Titanic of the White Star Line, which was advertised as unsinkable, sank in the North Atlantic. According to previous telegraphic reports, only a fraction of the passengers and crew could be rescued from the ships that rushed to help. There is talk of well over 1000 victims.
The RMS Titanic had only been commissioned 2 weeks ago and has since been considered the largest ship in the world.
Editorial office of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Wednesday, April 17, 1912
The worldwide consternation was even felt in Japan, even though the disaster had taken place far away between Europe and North America. Now, one day later, little was still known. The sparse information could be summarized briefly.
The Titanic was one of the most modern ships in the world. It was considered unsinkable. British shipbuilding was leading the way and the hull had been designed with the most modern aspects in mind. Nevertheless, there were well over a thousand victims, not a few of them from the richest and most distinguished European and American families.
But what did this mean for warship construction? Osaki Satoshi had to admit to himself that he had never asked himself whether or not there were identical design principles between warships and civilian ships?
The Titanic was supposed to be unsinkable. A completely new approach to construction. Was this approach also present for cruisers and battleships? Was this approach flawed, or was it a mistake during assembly?
If these design features also applied to warships, how long did shipbuilding designers tinker with them? Was it a well-known principle or a secret?
In the end, the question Satoshi asked himself was: What about Japan's new ships under construction. Did they also have the same design flaw, or did battleships generally not have this problem due to their design?
He would probably have to try to get hold of details from the construction plan.
+ + +
Editorial Board of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Thursday, May 9, 1912
The last few weeks have brought significant progress. More and more conversions were completed, essential new technologies were ready for production and a significant economic upswing also benefited the Navy. There were still rumours of a deficit, but the more conversions came out of the shipyard, the better it became.
Naval circles rumoured that all new buildings could probably be built at full speed from the second half of the year. But even then, the delay could not be made up. Completion would probably not take place before 1915, that was already apparent.
+ + +
Editors of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Monday, June 10, 1912
But then there were setbacks again. Even though the Minister of the Navy was again as closed as in earlier times, it was hard to keep secret that there were several conflicts behind the scenes. The Navy's plans were thoroughly mixed up, because suddenly the faction of torpedo boat supporters had received an unexpected boost.
+ + +
Editorial office of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Wednesday, July 17, 1912
It quickly became apparent that the shipyards were happier with torpedo boats than with large battleships. Torpedo boats were quick and easy to build and brought in total significantly higher revenues, with less risk. The new armoured cruisers and the Hatsuse had to wait further, although the second half of the year had begun.
+ + +
Extra sheet of the Tōkyō Shinbun from Tuesday, July 30, 1912
>> THE TENNŌ IS DEAD! <<
>> Terrible news from the palace - the Meiji-tennō is dead! <<
It has been announced from the Imperial Palace that our beloved and revered Emperor of the Meiji-tennō Mutsuhito passed away in the early hours of this morning. The whole country is in a state of shock after the worst conceivable loss that could befall our country.
Editorial Board of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Tuesday, July 30, 1912
The news of Meiji-tennō's death hit like a bombshell. It was somewhat known that the tennō had been suffering from various diseases for a long time, which had now led to his death. It was a disaster for Japan. After all, it was Meiji-tennō who had shown Japan the way into modern times.
Despite all hostility and even attempted attacks, the Meiji-tennō has taken the path that has made Japan a modern industrial power. How things would continue under the new Taishō-tennō, the son Yoshihito of Meiji-tennō, no one could say.
The Taishō period began - the time of justice. Osaki Satoshi was aware that the military would continue to pursue its aggressive path and the latest interference in international politics already showed this.
The question now remained as to how the palace – how the Taishō-tennō would feel about the navy?
Would the army now regain its old influence?
+ + +
Editorial Board of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Friday, August 16, 1912
There was still uncertainty about Japan's future in many places, only the navy seemed to have clear ideas. At the shipyards, speed was set to complete all conversions. This was probably the only way to be able to fully resume the large new ships despite the forced torpedo boat rebuilding program. The economic upswing helped, but how long would it last?
+ + +
Editorial Board of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Wednesday, September 11, 1912
In September, the Navy finally had the opportunity to highlight its importance. Japanese officers went through a hard drill during their training. Nautical science was carved into their bodies. Mistakes or even failures were an irreparable disgrace. Osaki Satoshi was perfectly aware that no Japanese commander would have made such a simple navigational mistake as was under discussion.
"That was intentional!" Satoshi whispered to the group.
"I think so too," added Kaigun-daisa Taketomi Kunikan
"Then the Navy is back on the warpath?"
"At least it is an attempt to increase the naval budget and the way through international tensions has always worked well in recent years."
"At some point, this will go terribly wrong."
"Yes, at some point, but for now, the Navy has achieved its goal. Surely there will soon be enough money to go through with the new construction programs."
+ + +
Editorial Board of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Thursday, December 19, 1912
Another year was coming to an end. After the last few months had passed without much excitement, there was a serious rift with the British Empire shortly before the turn of the year. Again, the military had managed to drive the politicians in front of them and it was only a matter of time before the lit powder keg would explode.
Editors of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Monday, December 23, 1912
It didn't really get winter in the 多摩丘陵 (Tama-kyūryū). It was cool, but there was no sign of an already rare snowfall far and wide. Osaki Satoshi walked through the barren December landscape and drew his sound closer, because the wind caused a firm feeling of cold.
Tensions with the Empire were considerable and Japan's navy was far from being able to compete with this enemy. Satoshi had taken some documents from the editorial archive, which he now looked at.
The Empire was clearly superior. A war would be madness!
+ + +
Editorial office of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Monday, January 6, 1913
Another turn of the year had been uneventful, apart from the fact that there had been a debauched family celebration, which was unusual for the civilized Japanese conditions. Osaki Satoshi's head was still pounding. A bump shimmering in all the colors of the rainbow showed exactly where he had hit his head on one of the massive wooden pillars in his house after he had asked his wife to do a swinging dance.
He took note of the news only with the greatest effort and waited for the end of the working day.
+ + +
Editorial Board of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Tuesday, March 11, 1913
Kaigun-daisa Taketomi Kunikan was excited, his head was fiery red: "I don't believe that!" he exclaimed unusually loudly.
"But the navy is on fire, surely there must be a reason for that?"
"This is a mistake, the naval leadership will still recognize that."
"For the moment, it means that very considerable funds and research capacities will be diverted to this area."
"It remains the wrong way, what are these rattle racks supposed to do? They fall apart at the slightest gust of wind."
"The minister expects a lot from this new technology of the aircraft!"
"The minister has been wrong in the past and his digression on the question of whether the navy is better off building new battleships or converting old torpedo boats speaks volumes."
"So we won't get anywhere like this..." Osaki Satoshi finally intervened – "We are waiting to see what progress the year brings. After all, the development is going very fast and the other nations have also picked up on the topic."
"Alright, let's wait and see how it develops. But I think the Navy would do well to develop better guns than to fold wooden sticks with paper into origami planes according to old tradition."
+ + +
Editors of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Friday, July 4, 1913
After global tensions had eased in the first half of the year, and the world preferred to enjoy itself at the 28th World Exhibition in Ghent, the topic unsurprisingly picked up again in July.
"The Navy needs the money."
"The Navy always needs money. Slowly it begins to ferment among the colony."
"Yes, you can say that, behind closed doors, many ordinary people complain pitifully about the high arms spending. It's not happening publicly yet, but you can feel it."
"But with an imminent conflict with the Empire, this will not get any better."
"No, the people have still had enough of the war, even if the last one was five years ago."
"So something will have to happen again?"
"To keep the people happy?"
"Yes."
"Something will certainly happen if the military does not want to jeopardize its support."
+ + +
Editors of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Wednesday, September 17, 1913
Now even Kaigun-daisa Taketomi Kunikan was completely surprised! "The Navy wants what?"
"The Navy wants to launch aircraft from ships."
"That's madness!"
"But you have to admit, dear Kaigun-daisa, that an airplane has a much better view of what is happening at sea from the air?"
"Yes, and what good is that?"
"Why what good is that?"
"How is a pilot supposed to make himself understood in his paper airplane without getting his feet wet and having to be fished out of the water?"
"What about this new technology that is being installed on so many ships after the Titanic disaster?"
"You mean maritime radio?"
"Yes, maritime radio."
"Editor Abe Takeshi - have you ever seen a radio room on a ship?"
"No, Kaigun-daisa."
"It's a whole room, bigger than any airplane. That will never work."
"So it doesn't fit?"
"No, it doesn't fit, and it probably never will. Flag signs remain and that is hardly recognizable even between two ships. Especially not when an airplane is whirling around somewhere in the air at high speed!"
"The minister is convinced of it! He thinks an experiment will be prepared soon."
"Then I'm curious to see how many pilots will have to break their necks before the Navy finally gives up this aberration!"
+ + +
Editorial office of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Wednesday, November 26, 1913
The late summer and autumn brought important research results for which the Navy had been waiting for a long time. The fire control made a big leap, but there was also worthwhile conversion potential for the small units.
Osaki Satoshi was therefore not surprised that the navy had suddenly begun to send larger parts of the fleet back to the shipyards. And this time, the combat value should actually be able to be increased considerably.
+ + +
Ministry of Navy of the Imperial Japanese Navy – Tuesday, December 9, 1913
Navy Minister Saitō Makoto again welcomed a larger group of officers to his office.
Again present was the promoted Gensui Tōgō Heihachirō, in an advisory capacity. At 65 years old, the Gensui was still extraordinarily agile. However, it was rumored that the Gensui would soon be given a position in the palace and would thus no longer be available to the Navy.
Of course, Kaigun-chūjō Ijūin Gorō was present again, who still held the chairmanship of the 軍令部 (Gunreibu – General Staff).
Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō had been the acting commander of the 第一艦隊 (Dai-ichi Kantai - IJN 1st Fleet) since the first of December, so he felt a bit uncomfortable to be summoned so quickly to a top-secret meeting that would have only one topic.
"The army also judges this in this direction. Supplying soldiers of the Imperial Army so far away would have presented us with the greatest problems."
"Besides," Gensui Tōgō Heihachirō pointed out, "Besides, our behavior will lull the British into a sense of security. It reduces the tensions for the moment or at least does not increase them."
"So let's get to the real reason for our meeting..."
+ + +
Kaigun-chūjō Ijūin Gorō spread out a map on a large round table provided, around which all those present now gathered:
"Gentlemen, it is a painful wound that we had to leave Wēihǎiwèi to the Empire in 1898! This shame still weighs on our shoulders today and is a constant humiliation of our Tennō."
"We can't take this any longer!"
The group nodded thoughtfully and stared at the map of the bay.
"Do we know where the ships of the China Station usually are?"
"The units regularly change their base as long as they are not at sea. Most of them stay in Singapore, but also regularly in Hong Kong and Wēihǎiwèi."
"And the British are so reckless as to put their ships on talk and not directly in port?"
"That's how it is, Rikugun-Taishō!"
"But gentlemen of the Navy, if I am correctly informed, our most important ships are all still under construction. Completion not before the summer of the year after next."
"If the attack plan of the noble Kaigun-chūjō Yamashita Gentarō succeeds, it doesn't matter. Kaigun-chūjō Yamashita Gentarō was already responsible for the detailed planning in 1904 and 1905 and is currently the commander of our Naval Academy. He knows what our officers can do."
"Yes, yes, I've heard of him. It is said that he is more concerned with marrying off the young cadets than teaching them the seriousness of life."
"Rikugun-Taishō Hasegawa Yoshimichi, you've listened to nasty rumors! Of course, it is important for our cadets to know what they are fighting for. A wife and children who have to be defended are a greater incentive than they realize."
"Gentlemen, I don't want to provoke a quarrel today. I had only heard about this behavior."
"Yamashita Gentarō is an experienced man. Without his exact elaborations, many a battle with the Russians – especially the one off Port Arthur – could have ended differently."
"So you think the plan is feasible, Gensui Tōgō Heihachirō?"
"Yes, I think so, the plan looks promising."
"Isn't it something – traditional?"
"Has the tradition harmed us so far?"
"No — of course — you're right, Gensui."
"So then it's decided?"
"Yes - Yamashita Gentarō should finish working out the plan."
"Well – then the question of timing remains?"
"That doesn't depend on us alone, the British fleet must also be present."
"She will Katō – according to my information, the British fleet will move to Wēihǎiwèi at the beginning of next year."
"Then it is decided, gentlemen, then I instruct the Foreign Minister to find a reason for war."
"And the Tennō?"
"The Tennō is informed and wants to see the shame of Wēihǎiwèi erased as soon as possible."
Editorial Board of the Tōkyō Shinbun – Tuesday, January 6, 1914
This winter there had indeed been light snowfall in 多摩丘陵 (Tama-kyūryū) and Osaki Satoshi trudged through the cold January landscape. The blanket of snow, if you could even call it that, lay like fine powdered sugar over the hills of the region and Satoshi had finally fallen in love with his new home. It actually seemed to him as if he lived in the middle of the countryside, even though Tōkyō was only a few kilometers away. However, he feared very much for his home, as the capital itself and all settlements in the 関東平野 (Kantō heiya = Kantō Plain) had grown enormously in recent years. Japan developed more and more into an industrial nation based on the Western model and had to cope with the influx from the countryside to the cities, so to speak. The 関東平野 (Kantō heiya = Kantō Plain) seemed to grow the fastest and most extensively, which seemed to be due not least to the ever-growing shipyards. In addition, there were steel manufacturing companies, armaments companies for explosives and so on. The peace might not last long.
But that could also change, he could literally feel the tension that was in the air on his skin. It's just funny that the common people didn't seem to notice much of all this. Although there were one or two grumpy voices because of the high arms spending, no one seemed to see a new war coming.
Satoshi knew better. The signs were so clear, so strong, he expected the declaration of war every day.
+ + +
Morning edition of the Tōkyō Shinbun of Friday, January 16, 1914
>> Japan's navy builds airplanes! <<
The Imperial Japanese Navy has announced that it has commissioned a design bureau to develop a naval aircraft. Navy Minister Saitō Makoto did not explain what a naval aircraft is. It is indeed surprising that the navy now seems to want to take to the skies from its element, the water. We can be curious to see what we can expect from this flying boat?
+ + +
Extra sheet of the Tōkyō Shinbun from Thursday, February 5, 1914
>> Japanese Marines put down insurgency in China! <<
Yesterday, a division of Japanese marines put down the uprising in Zhifu, China. The navy justified the step with the great danger to Japanese merchant shipping, which makes numerous trips to the ports in the Shandong region.
Only yesterday evening, the British ambassador Sir William Conyngham Greene protested sharply against the Japanese invasion and demanded the immediate withdrawal of Japanese soldiers from China.
The fierce British reaction is likely to be related to the British naval base Wēihǎiwèi, which is only about sixty kilometers away. Sixty kilometers is about 15里 of our old Shakkanhō, which was replaced by the metric system in 1886.
Extra sheet of the Tōkyō Shinbun from Monday, March 15, 1914
>> The British Empire Mobilizes – Will There Be War? <<
After the Japanese ship of the line Suwo fired at the Chinese Zhifu last night, it became known that the British government has threatened to mobilize the fleet if the Japanese fleet does not immediately withdraw to its home waters.
Is Japan threatened with war with the British Empire?
+ + +
Ministry of Navy of the Imperial Japanese Navy – Wednesday, March 18, 1914
Navy Minister Saitō Makoto sat impatiently in his office. He had hardly slept for the last three days and therefore had difficulty concentrating. It was now half an hour past midnight when he heard voices outside his office. There was a knock and without waiting the door was opened by an order.
With hasty steps, Foreign Minister Makino Nobuaki entered the room.
"And?"
"The Tennō's order has been carried out according to instructions. I handed over the declaration of war to Sir William Conyngham Greene at midnight sharp."
"Good – very good!"
"Mr. Minister of the Navy, why did it have to be in Japan at night? It is still day in Europe, and the Empire can now react immediately. Sir William Conyngham Greene was indignant and threatened to completely subjugate Japan. He has indicated that a British squadron is already on its way to Asia."
"It's forty minutes past midnight now—about an hour to go!"
"What do you mean by another hour?"
"The telegraph line from Wēihǎiwèi to Europe runs through Zhifu, the line was cut directly with its transfer of the declaration of war to the Empire. In Wēihǎiwèi, the British will be completely clueless."
"What have you hidden from me? The mission was to make it clear to the Empire that we would not withdraw from Zhifu. I was not informed about Wēihǎiwèi. Wēihǎiwèi is British colonial territory."
"Wēihǎiwèi is ours – there is nothing more to say about it – wish Japan luck, Mr. Foreign Minister – the fleet will be in Wēihǎiwèi in about an hour."
After the first Russo-Japanese War, a new realization had taken hold in the Japanese military leadership:
Japan is only safe from the European colonial powers if it has control of all the major ports in the region, and East Asia must be liberated from the white imperialists.
Over the years, this developed into a secret doctrine that was to lead to the East Asian Colonial Wars. The members of the 大本営 (Daihon'ei) outlined the following plan:
First step: Securing the Northeast Asian waters
Second step: Securing the Southeast Asian waters
Third step: Establishment of a defense perimeter around Greater East Asia
Fourth step: Strength
To achieve these goals, the requirements were obvious:
Great Britain and the German Empire had colonies in Japan's backyard, which was intolerable. France, Great Britain and the United States of America controlled Southeast Asia and from there could easily cut off the Japanese islands from the world. The South Pacific and Central Pacific provided an ideal buffer zone, without the control of which an attack on Japan would be impossible, with only the Indian Ocean being a problem.
After the ambitions were staked out, the military leadership had to realize that several problems had to be overcome:
First, the navy was not strong enough for protracted major conflicts. At the beginning of a war, therefore, everything had to be made clear, as Port Arthur had already shown.
Secondly, the navy and the army had to work together and settle their dispute.
Third, Japan's economic base had to be strengthened.
All these points could only be achieved by one task:
Conquest of all the colonies of the imperialist enemies of Asia!
+ + +
The fleet of the British Empire was the greatest danger to Japan. If you could beat this fleet, you could beat all the fleets in the world. They also had to defeat the Empire fleet first. If one were to start with Germany or France, there was an acute danger that the Empire would interfere. Conversely, the other nations would hardly rush to the aid of the "great" empire. And the Empire would certainly reject such help. Anything else would be an insult because it would call into question the position of the Royal Navy in the world. The Empire would never risk this disgrace.
This resulted in the first destination for Japan, namely the British base Wēihǎiwèi. The uprising in Zhifu was prepared for months by Japanese infiltrators and offered Japan the opportunity to land a larger contingent of troops in the rear of the British base. At the same time, this required the presence of most of the British naval forces of the Asian region in Wēihǎiwèi.
If the Royal Navy was caught on the wrong foot at Wēihǎiwèi, Japan would have a chance to win the war. It would take weeks or even months for reinforcements from Europe to arrive. However, the most crucial thing was:
The Royal Navy could not weaken the other regions, that would immediately lead to a rebellion in the colonies there!
With a bit of luck, there would only be two sea battles. The opening battle of Wēihǎiwèi and another naval battle with what the Royal Navy could do without from the rest of the world.
At the time of the declaration of war, the main force of the 聯合艦隊 (Rengō Kantai) was located less than thirty nautical miles from Wēihǎiwèi. Everyone had to rely on the fact that the declaration of war had actually been handed over, because it was no longer possible to stop the attack after the fleet had sailed.
Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō was appointed commander of the 聯合艦隊 (Dai-ichi Kantai - IJN 1st Fleet) by the acting commander of the 第一艦隊 (Rengō Kantai) and thus had the honor of commanding the blow against Wēihǎiwèi.
Even though the Imperial Japanese Navy had undergone constant rearmament, the most important new units were all under construction. Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō therefore had to make do with older material to take up the fight against the most powerful navy in the world – the Royal Navy. The fleet strengths were as follows:
The Imperial Japanese Navy in March 1914
At the beginning of the war, the Imperial Japanese Navy consisted of the following units:
At the beginning of the war, the fleet of the British Empire consisted of the following units:
6 Duncan-class battleships (26,000 tons each)
5 Albion-class battleships (20,800 tons each)
2 Lion-class battlecruisers (28,400 tons each)
3 Invincible-class battlecruisers (20,200 tons each)
3 Indefatigable-class battlecruisers (19,900 tons each)
4 London-class standard ships of the line (16,700 tons each)
1 Venerable-class standard ship of the line (16,100 tons)
4 Centurion-class standard ships of the line (16,000 tons each)
5 Majestic-class standard ships of the line (15,500 tons each)
5 Renown-class standard ships of the line (15,500 tons each)
4 Caesar-class standard ships of the line (15,300 tons each)
7 Anson-class standard ships of the line (14,500 tons each)
1 Europa-class armoured cruiser (13,400 tons)
4 Ariadne-class armoured cruisers (12,300 tons each)
3 Bedford-class armoured cruisers (12,100 tons each)
4 Hogue-class armoured cruisers (12,000 tons each)
1 Diadem-class armoured cruiser (11,600 tons)
4 Amphitrite-class armoured cruisers (10,900 tons each)
1 Curacoa class protected cruiser (6,600 tons)
2 Psyche-class protected cruisers (6,200 tons each)
7 Persian-class protected cruisers (5,300 tons each)
3 Latona-class protected cruisers (4,900 tons each)
4 Cordelia-class protected cruisers (3,400 tons each)
3 Carysfort-class protected cruisers (3,200 tons each)
2 Constance-class protected cruisers (3,100 tons each)
7 Comus-class protected cruisers (3,000 tons each)
7 Acorn-class torpedo boats (900 tons each)
12 Foxhound-class torpedo boats (700 tons each)
3 Wolverine-class torpedo boats (700 tons each)
2 Amazon class torpedo boats (600 tons each)
2 Nubian-class torpedo boats (600 tons each)
5 Maori-class torpedo boats (600 tons each)
4 Kennet-class torpedo boats (600 tons each)
12 Derwent-class torpedo boats (500 tons each)
12 Ure-class torpedo boats (400 tons each)
7 corvettes of various classes (900 tons each)
5 corvettes of various classes (600 tons each)
21 coastal submarines
1 submarine
The following units were under construction in March 1914:
2 Triumph-class battlecruisers (29,000 tons each)
2 Lion-class battlecruisers (28,400 tons each)
1 Venerable-class standard ships of the line (16,100 tons) - modernization
1 Renown-class standard ship of the line (15,500 tons) - modernization
1 Anson-class standard ships of the line (14,500 tons) - modernization
1 Latona-class protected cruiser (4,900 tons) - modernization
2 Eden-class torpedo boats (1,100 tons each)
4 corvettes of various classes (900 tons each)
3 corvettes of various classes (600 tons each)
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Comparison of forces between Japan and Great Britain:
Comparing the balance of power between Japan and Great Britain was actually pointless. The Royal Navy was so clearly superior in all respects that even a statistic was useless.
It contrasted with 632,000 tons of shipping space in service or under construction for Japan and 1,499,200 tons in service or under construction for Great Britain.
Japan had 46 large warships in service or under construction, Great Britain had 106 large warships in service or under construction. This meant that Great Britain had more large warships than Japan currently had torpedo boats in service.
Only the comparison of the torpedo boats with each other did not have to shy away from the Imperial Japanese Navy, which was the result of the torpedo boat supporters. With the units included in the construction and modernization, Japan could muster 129 torpedo boats, of which Great Britain only 63 units in service or under construction.
In addition, there were 36 corvettes for Japan and 19 corvettes for the Empire.
With 43 to 22 U-boats, Japan was also superior in the U-boats, but no one could calculate the value of these units. The bulk of the submarines were small coastal submarines with limited range and firepower.
In the end, Great Britain still had 16 airships, but all of them were in Europe and therefore of no importance for the war in Asia.
Britain was able to complete large warships a good six months faster than Japan, but Japan had the maximum dock size. The largest dock in the Japanese Empire was suitable for ships up to 49,000 tons, while in the British Isles only ships with a maximum of 35,000 tons could be built. However, with the usual construction times of large warships, this was also of no significance for the war.
However, what spoke very much in favor of Japan was the regional distribution of the naval units. Britain needed significant parts of its tonnage in its worldwide colonies. It was simply impossible for the Royal Navy to cruise with the entire fleet in Asia. Neither the British bases in Asia nor the political facts of the colonial power provided this. If the Royal Navy were to leave a region without a sufficient presence for too long, uprisings would break out in the colonial territories. Britain would then have to wage war on several fronts.
This was the aim of the Japanese strategy. The Imperial Japanese Navy was able to act with concentrated power in East Asia, while the Royal Navy was able to bring a reasonable third to a maximum of half of its tonnage to Asia.
This meant that there was at least a tie, but probably even a noticeable preponderance for the Imperial Japanese Navy.
If the attack on Wēihǎiwèi were successful without suffering too many casualties of its own, the Royal Navy would be on the defensive and at least not capable of invading Japan.
Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō had to listen to the importance of his first strike for the overall strategy over and over again, and now the time had come. The tips of the 聯合艦隊 (Rengō Kantai) were only about ten nautical miles away from the anchorage of the British East Asia Squadron.
If the politicians had been successful, the ships of Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Henry Martyn Jerram were not under steam!
A light cloud cover hid any light, which limited visibility to less than two nautical miles on this pitch-black night. Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō was more concerned about finding the enemy than anyone would discover his approach prematurely.
He followed the advice of Gensui Tōgō Heihachirō, according to which, under the right conditions, the torpedo boats should start the attack. This was due to the weak artillery firepower of the Japanese warships, but also to the low visibility at night.
In fact, the conditions for a surprise attack with the torpedo boats could not have been better!
The Imperial Japanese Navy moved in with everything that was seaworthy:
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Japanese 1st Battle Division:
Battleship Iwami (Flagship)
Standard ship of the line Suwo
Standard ship of the Line Iki
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Japanese 6th Battle Division:
Standard ship of the Line Yashima
Standard ship of the Line Asahi
Standard ship of the Line Fuji
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Japanese 8th Cruiser Division:
Armoured cruisers Ashigara, Kako, Aso
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Japanese 4th Light Cruiser Division:
Protected cruisers Kasagi, Akitsushima
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Japanese 10th Light Cruiser Division:
Protected cruisers Otowa, Akashi, Takachiho
Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō couldn't have wished for a better night. He had difficulty watching from the bridge of the Iwami even as far as the bow of the Japanese battleship. There was no trace of his torpedo boats. He was glad to have given exact instructions to all flotilla commanders before setting sail. The navy had evolved, but circumstances dictated that the attack should proceed as it had done ten years ago.
Shortly before arriving in the bay of Wēihǎiwèi, the torpedo boat flotillas would relay one after the other and conduct a torpedo attack. If the British were to be surprised, this could succeed. If the British were warned, the torpedo boats would undoubtedly be sunk.
The attack began around ten minutes past one o'clock local time. The result would seal Japan's fate.
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It took what felt like an eternity of fifteen minutes until the Japanese 2nd Torpedo Boat Flotilla, which was sailing at the front, could make out contact. The flotilla leader had long wondered whether the port had been expelled, because the flotilla was only a few thousand yards away from the well-known mine barrier and had to turn around.
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Immediately the enemy ships were turned on, because the attack position was very bad for a torpedo attack. The enemy pointed its bow towards the battle line and thus no reliable firing solutions were possible.
During the approach, more ships were recognized. Apparently lighter units anchored so close to the larger ships that they served as torpedo catchers. The first torpedoes were fired.
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Then it became visibly crowded in the bay. The Royal Navy was present. Some great shadows could only have come from large warships, and none of them were under steam!
The flotilla leader on board the Suzukaze just caught sight of a large column of water on a cruiser, then he was lifted off his feet and hurled against the windows of the command post. He slammed to the ground and remained lifeless with a broken neck.
The enemy ships did not want to make steam, but the artillery was ready for battle - the Suzukaze was full of water and threatened to sink!
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However, the Suzukaze was still able to fight and the survivors of the crew attacked a large previously unclassified ship that was at an almost optimal angle. The other torpedo boats also scored hits on the enemy ships.
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The torpedo of the Suzukaze hit an Ariadne-class armoured cruiser moored side by side with a second ship.
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With the advent of the Japanese 3rd Torpedo Boat Flotilla in sight, the battle picked up speed. Torpedo boat Ikazuchi, despite its disadvantageous position, took a recognized ship of the line as its target.
The torpedo missed its target, but hit a warship directly behind it, whereupon a violent explosion unfolded. In the light of this explosion, the enemy could be recognized as a battlecruiser and the Ikazuchi classified a battleship in this light. Only fractions of a second later, the Nenohi exploded after a direct hit by enemy heavy artillery.
The opponent was definitely less surprised than he should have been.
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The attackers' efforts were now directed against the Royal Navy's most worthwhile target, which was shielded by a torpedo boat. However, this battleship had additional protection in the form of torpedo nets.
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The Suzukaze was hit hard again and could now sink at any second. At least all the surviving crews of the Japanese 2nd Torpedo Boat Flotilla were able to watch as a large column of water rose up the British battleship when a Japanese torpedo drilled into the hull of this ship.
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Despite all the maneuvers, the crews of the Japanese torpedo boats were too inexperienced. Far too quickly, too many flotillas were within combat range to lead a coordinated attack. Some flotilla leaders tried to bring order to the whole thing, but that only made it worse.
One thing was clear: the torpedo boats needed a high speed, otherwise they were easy fodder for the British projectiles.
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Gradually, the Japanese got an overview. It was now possible to classify one battleship, three ships of the line and three armoured cruisers quite reliably. These were important units of the Royal Navy's East Asia Squadron, but by no means all of the enemy's large ships in this region.
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The first targets began to pick up speed, the Japanese now had to hold on. If the enemy were able to maneuver, easy hits would no longer be possible.
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Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō could only guess what was going on. He was still far out of sight and had no chance of finding out what had happened. However, several bright light phenomena indicated a fierce battle.
The Japanese 2nd Torpedo Boat Flotilla had taken heavy hits, but before the command was given to run and regroup, a number of the most important ships could be identified. To the great disappointment, there was only one modern battleship in Wēihǎiwèi, the rest were older ships. The only good thing about it was that the Iwami would not encounter a vastly superior enemy.
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While the enemy battleship was hit by the last torpedoes of the Japanese 2nd Torpedo Boat Flotilla, the call of the Japanese 3rd Torpedo Boat Flotilla began and these torpedo boats were met with heavy artillery fire from the outset.
The Hamanami was immediately hit hard.
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Nevertheless, the flotilla continued the attack with full commitment. Nobody wanted to take a back seat to the successes of the 2nd Flotilla. The water was boiling from all the shelling from both sides.
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A little later, the Hayanami was also badly hit.
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The Hayanami was literally sifted and had to be abandoned, but at least the Japanese 3rd Torpedo Boat Flotilla was able to score several heavy torpedo hits on the ships of the Royal Navy.
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The Japanese 3rd Torpedo Boat Flotilla was fought so heavily that the Japanese 7th Torpedo Boat Flotilla was able to call in relative peace. The gun crews of the Royal Navy knew what they were doing and had an almost merciless precision, but the large number of Japanese attackers led to a saturation of the enemy.
Then a grenade exploded in the engine room of the Tachikaze!
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Hit hard and sinking, the crew of the Tachikaze sent their last torpedoes.
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Next, the Amagiri was shot down by the artillerymen of the Royal Navy.
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Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō still did not know what was going on in the port of Wēihǎiwèi, but he became aware of the violence of a brutal artillery battle. The light and fire spectacle on the horizon was too massive to be explained only by torpedo hits by his flotillas.
He noticed that the enemy seemed to be firing back massively here.
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The Japanese 7th Torpedo Boat Flotilla then succeeded in what could have been the decisive blow against the British Duncan-class battleship, when three torpedoes hit and exploded practically simultaneously. There was now a large hole in the hull of the giant.
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The ranks of the Royal Navy were like two millstones. On one side, the Japanese torpedo boat flotillas enter in formation and come out tattered and ground up on the other.
But the enemy was also hit hard.
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The next Japanese torpedo boats were hit hard.
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In the meantime, almost all British ships made at least a short trip. Most of the large warships of the Royal Navy tried to get to safety behind the mine barrier in front of the harbour, but some apparently tried to escape to the high seas. The last flotillas of the Imperial Japanese Navy thus had to deal with difficult conditions.
The Japanese 9th Torpedo Boat Flotilla was also met with defensive fire, but so far it has been less covering. Apparently, the damage on the British ships of the line and cruisers was slowly becoming noticeable. But then the Miyuki felt the opposite. But none of the torpedo boats gave up!
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The Japanese 5th Torpedo Boat Flotilla and the Japanese 11th Torpedo Boat Flotilla finally got in each other's way, but they were also the last two attacking torpedo boat flotillas. After that, the attack of the Iwami and the other large warships would follow.
Until then, the Japanese 9th Torpedo Boat Flotilla experienced its personal chaos. There was no longer any question of an orderly formation, which made the call of the last two flotillas even more difficult.
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The Satsuki received a hit in the engine room and lost speed. The hit itself was not dramatic, but it meant that the Satsuki lacked the decisive two or three knots to complete her current course maneuver correctly. As a result, the Satsuki crashed into a British Acorn-class torpedo boat with force.
Almost at the same time, the Yunagi was literally torn apart by a presumably British torpedo. The Yunagi was also able to fire a torpedo from the launcher while it was sinking and aimed at an Amphitrite-class armoured cruiser.
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In fact, the torpedo of the Yunagi hit the cruiser before the torpedo boat faced its end. Overall, the last two Japanese flotillas suffered considerable hits, but the torpedo hits of these flotillas on the ships of the Royal Navy brought the preliminary decision. All the large warships of the Empire's East Asia Squadron had been hit. Likewise, almost no enemy torpedo boat was spared.
In all this, the Royal Navy was not yet aware of the presence of a Japanese battle squadron that was still out of sight.
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The British torpedo boats, which had already been responsible for torpedoing the Yunagi, now slid between the Japanese attackers and the British battleship, which was now in the area of the mine barrier. However, the battleship had already received so many hits that it tilted significantly to the side and made a maximum of two or three knots of speed.
Nevertheless, the Yamakaze managed to place a torpedo exactly between the enemy's protective umbrella into the British battleship.
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The battlefield began to thin, which was necessary because the heads of the Japanese battle fleet were gradually within reach. About an hour after the attack began, the protected cruisers arrived and would continue where the torpedo boats had left off.
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Then, finally, the first British ship sank in the form of a Kennet-class torpedo boat
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The protected cruiser Kasagi finally came within sight, but was in an awkward firing position.
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At two o'clock and fifteen minutes, the first large warship of the Royal Navy sank off Wēihǎiwèi.
The Japanese 5th Torpedo Boat Flotilla and the Japanese 11th Torpedo Boat Flotilla had suffered only a few heavy losses after the first attempt, and the vast majority of the torpedo boats of these two flotillas were ready for battle. The flotilla leaders therefore decided to make a second attempt.
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The protected cruisers also did a great job, but were disrupted by the second attempt of the Japanese 5th and 11th torpedo boat flotillas.
The Akitsushima still managed the most memorable goal of the day!
With a 3inch gun, the Akitsushima hit the British battleship, which immediately broke into two parts after a moderate flash of flame and sank! Presumably, the shell penetrated the interior of the ship through one of the holes punched into the hull by the torpedoes and exploded in a magazine of the British battleship.
In the darkness, several enemy ships were lost sight of. A torpedo boat tried to escape to sea, while the larger warships continued to try to get behind the mine barrier.
The protected cruisers did everything they could to ensure that no enemy ship escaped.
With the arrival of the Japanese armoured cruisers, the fate of the enemy was sealed. These ships had enough firepower to have an effect on the mine barrier. If a ship wanted to hide there, it would be in a trap of its own choosing!
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As soon as the armoured cruisers were in sight, the shelling began. Already the first fired broadside of the Ashigara lay covering and shredded the superstructure of a protected cruiser of the Latona-class with the heavy 12inch artillery.
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Despite the enemy being defeated, he continued to dish out what the protected cruisers Otowa and Kasagi felt.
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Finally, Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō arrived with the Iwami at the anchorage of the British fleet, but there was not much left to do. In the meantime, most of the ships of the Royal Navy had sunk.
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Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō ran into the battle zone at full speed to find a target for his guns, but he could not do anything yet. His armoured cruisers, on the other hand, shot the last surviving ship of the line to pieces with their artillery.
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Pleased and yet stunned, Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō looked at the battlefield. Debris, corpses, wrecks, fire and smoke. His mission was accomplished – in part – because there was still something to do, but the darkness prevented it. His bewilderment resulted from the fact that the Iwami did not get a chance to show what was possible with her.
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The last enemy ship of the line also sank in the floods before the Iwami came into combat position.
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Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō ordered all ships to leave and assemble. He had a second assignment, but the darkness threw a spanner in the works.
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It would be hours before it was light.
The torpedo boat Kiyoshimo lay motionless in the sea when a shadow began to approach from the direction of Wēihǎiwèi. The commander fired a volley into the air, which Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō recognized for what it was – a cry for help.
The battle formation turned around!
Then contact was lost in the darkness.
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Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō did not back down, however. There was a ship, this ship had to be sunk! He found nothing! Instead, a lookout of the Akitsushima sighted an auxiliary cruiser. In fact, visibility increased as the moon rose and its radiance made the surface of the water glitter.
Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō was satisfied, he looked for the shade. This ship must have disappeared somewhere.
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Then, finally, two targets came into view. Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō ordered the attack. The first hit was scored on the auxiliary cruiser.
When a third ship came into sight within its reach, the Iwami finally had something to do.
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The Iwami opened fire with the 5inch medium artillery and immediately scored a hit. There was only one torpedo boat and two corvettes, but the mission was clear. Every ship of the Royal Navy had to be sunk.
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Involved in the battle, Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō did not realize that the torpedo boat Miyuki had lost its fight against the invading water. The crew had to abandon the boat.
Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō was pleased with the brightness of the moonlight and wanted to try to fulfill his second mission. The Iwami turned back.
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Dull thuds continued through the hull of the Iwami as the battleship stomped through the debris field off Wēihǎiwèi.
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Then finally there was sight of what had to be done, but the visibility was not high enough, the distance too small.
Columns of water rose out of the water alongside the Iwami!
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In the meantime, on the Kasagi, one could not believe one's eyes. Of course, the commanders of all ships had been taught about important features of new ship designs in order to know what they were dealing with.
But now the skipper could not believe it!
Was that an airplane on this auxiliary cruiser? – Was that a seaplane tender?
Whether it was really a seaplane tender or not was ultimately irrelevant. The secret service knew nothing about British aircraft motherships and would have to check the information. The two cruisers at least would sink this ship.
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A veil of clouds reduced the visibility and Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō turned away. As long as he could not clearly see his target, he did not want to be within range of the enemy coastal battery. She had the better position from her elevated position.
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After sinking the last corvette within range, the Japanese 10th Light Cruiser Division also turned away, but then the Akashi was hit by an unknown enemy.
This enemy unexpectedly came into view from the north.
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The commander of the Kasagi began to wonder what he was really dealing with? The enemy had not only received one torpedo hit, but at least three dozen artillery hits. For a ship of this size and design, this was normally the end. This one, however, seemed to be as good as undamaged so far.
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The Japanese 10th Light Cruiser Division was engaged in combat with a torpedo boat. No one knew whether it was returning from a patrol and was still fully armed, or whether there was no longer any danger to be expected from the torpedo launchers. Then another ship appeared and the situation promised to be interesting. According to the silhouette, it was too big for another torpedo boat.
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Instead of attacking, however, the second ship seemed to want to break away. This was also successful for the beginning, as the Japanese 10th Light Cruiser Division had begun to steer a zig-zag course for safety.
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The commander of the Kasagi did not want to believe what he was experiencing. Another torpedo and over twenty artillery hits later, this strange ship still did not seem to have received a substantial scratch.
The Japanese 10th Light Cruiser Division had more luck with its opponent and began to search for the fleeing ship.
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After two more torpedo hits, the crew actually began to leave the ship, although it made no attempt to sink.
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On the Kiyoshimo, which was already thought to be lost, the tirelessly working crew had actually managed to get the engine system up and running again. However, the Torepdo boat was so badly damaged that even the smallest speed was suitable to finish off the hull. Slowly, the Kiyoshimo picked up speed.
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On the Kasagi, it was now assumed that this persistent target was just a normal cargo ship after all.
Shell after shell hit the ship, but it would not sink!
At least it started to burn.
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Author's note: At this point we abbreviate the event around the freighter. We anticipate it - 4 torpedoes and 256 artillery hits later it finally sinks. Luckily, the British didn't design their battleships as well as this freighter!
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The Japanese 10th Light Cruiser Division had given up the search. If it was an enemy torpedo boat, it was simply too fast to be caught up.
All ships of the 聯合艦隊 (Rengō Kantai) were now about to take off, four hours had passed since the beginning of the attack and soon it would be light after all.
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Some ships were allowed to take survivors on board. As visibility increased, Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō could see the southwestern defensive position of Wēihǎiwèi from the Iwami.
The position was not part of his mission, which would have been the guns and barracks directly in Wēihǎiwèi, but at least it offered itself as a training object. The Iwami's 13inch guns turned into position and fired a broadside at the British coastal battery. The very first slave hit the bull's eye.
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The Kiyoshimo now sighted a torpedo boat lying in the harbor and was probably discovered itself. The visibility now increased abruptly!
In addition, the enemy coastal artillery also knew how to shoot back. Some torpedo boats had clearly come too close.
The Kiyoshimo was also fired, but by the battery of Wēihǎiwèi.
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The protected cruisers were sent out to cover the retreat to the Kiyoshimo and to suppress any attacks by the British torpedo boats, which were still operational.
The outgoing battle fleet covered the enemy artillery position with a hail of shells. The 13inch riflemen of the Iwami showed the greatest effect on a hit!
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Only now, after it was almost daylight, could all enemy land positions be recognized. Nevertheless, the Japanese fleet continued to run. Only the protected cruisers indiscriminately took everything under fire to make the Royal Navy understand that it would be better to refrain from pursuit. This was the only chance for some of the most severely damaged torpedo boats of the Imperial Japanese Navy, which could otherwise have been sunk with ease.
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There also seemed to be an anchorage on the rear side of Wēihǎiwèi, but only other torpedo boats could be seen there. An attack there was out of the question because the coastal artillery was too strong for the protected cruisers. The cruisers contented themselves with sinking a torpedo boat within range and then making their way back.
In the meantime, the Iwami was able to destroy most of the guns of the enemy position, but had support from the ships of the line and armoured cruisers.
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Six and a half hours after the attack, Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō declared the battle over and ordered the fire to cease. Japan and Britain were now at war, and to his chagrin, there was only one modern battleship of the Royal Navy off Wēihǎiwèi.
He could only guess where the other battleships of the British China Station were. He would almost certainly have these ships as his opponent soon.
From afar, the rumble of Japanese army artillery thundered across the sea. From Zhifu, troops of the marines and the army had reached Wēihǎiwèi and began to storm the enemy base!
Extra sheet of the Tōkyō Shinbun from Wednesday, March 18, 1914
>> WAR! <<
>> Japan declares war on the British Empire! <<
There was a lot of activity on the streets of Tōkyō. Isolated groups of women marched through the city with posters against the war. Merchants kept their shops open, in front of which long queues formed and the people bought everything without sense or reason. Everyone knew that the war against Russia had been one thing, but a war against Britain was something completely different - it was madness!
The newspaper boys screamed their hearts out to sell their extra papers. Sometimes the boys beat each other when one managed to sell significantly more for his publishing house than the others for theirs. But that wasn't necessary at all, because people simply bought everything and also started fighting when someone came away empty-handed.
A golden age dawned for daily newspapers all over the world!
Osaki Satoshi was right up front. His feeling had not deceived him. Days ago, he had asked the editor-in-chief to put some old and covered printing presses back into operation and to stock up on paper and printing ink. This has now paid off. Of course, the declaration of war was announced by the government in the morning and the morning edition of the Tōkyō Shinbun was sold out before noon. All morning, the editors plunged into quickly compiling an overview in order to be able to print an extra sheet with a comparison of military strengths at noon.
That had been delayed. It was already past noon when the printing presses were to start. Before that was the case, the first rumors of a Japanese surprise attack on the Royal Navy were spreading.
Chaos reigned in the Navy Ministry. Reporters from all over the world besieged the building and hungry for information. Satoshi himself did not get involved in the goings-on, that made no sense. He makes his way to 小野浜造船所 (Onohama Zōsenjo - Kure Naval Shipyard). For some time he had been bribing some higher officials of the shipyard to get information. He got to hear what he could hardly believe. When asked whether the shipyards were even able to repair numerous damaged ships of the Imperial Japanese Navy, he received a completely unexpected answer: "There is not much to repair. We have surprised them. The Japanese losses are small, the British East Asia Squadron no longer exists! Unfortunately, no orders for us."
With that he could open and in the evening the extra paper was on the street!
>> JAPANESE SURPRISE ATTACK ON THE ROYAL NAVY <<
It became known from well-informed circles that a squadron of the Imperial Japanese Navy under the leadership of the esteemed Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō attacked the British naval base Wēihǎiwèi this morning. The naval leadership is silent about this naval battle. Behind closed doors, however, there is talk of a slaughter among the ships of the British Empire. It's hard to believe, but rumor has it that the British East Asia Squadron no longer exists! Subsequently, the Japanese battleship Iwami is said to have also reduced the British garrison accommodations of the port city to rubble.
After Port Arthur almost ten years ago, this is the second time
that the Imperial Japanese Navy has humiliated a European naval power with a major attack.
Despite everything, the Royal Navy is still more than twice the size of the Japanese Navy. Whether this first victory is a promising prelude to the liberation of China from the European imperialists, or whether it is a bad omen of what is now rolling towards Japan, no one can say.
Long live Japan, long live the Emperor!
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From the War Chronicles of Imperial Japan:
>> Memorandum of Kaigun-chūjō Ijūin Gorō on the Battle of Wēihǎiwèi on March 18, 1914 <<
Honored officers and members of the 大本営 (Daihon'ei),
our plan worked. The Rengō Kantai, under the leadership of the noble Kaigun-chūjō Katō Tomosaburō, has completed the task assigned to it better than we could have ever dreamed of!
The Royal Navy can be beaten. We have proven it. In all coming battles, the enemy must and will treat us with respect. We have to take advantage of this circumstance. We must not let up now and must pursue our plans relentlessly and with full severity.
I would like to thank the army command in particular, which not only supported the immediate attack on Wēihǎiwèi from the land side, but also agreed to the plan OP.
Gentlemen – the OP plan will become reality – if you agree to it! I may repeat how important the plan OP is. With the success of Plan OP, we have the chance to drive the Empire out of Asia forever.
Thus, the officers of the 軍令部 (Gunreibu) of the Imperial Japanese Navy, the 参謀本部 (Sambō hombu) of the Imperial Japanese Army, and the 海軍省 (Kaigun-shō) may take good note of the prepared and illustrated course of the battle for the naval battle of Wēihǎiwèi on March 18, 1914 of that year.
Contemplate the elegance of the battle in front of Wēihǎiwèi. With this heroic way of fighting, which is in the best Japanese tradition, OP will also be a success!
Long live the Rengō Kantai, long live the Imperial Japanese Navy, long live the Emperor!
Kaigun-chūjō Ijūin Gorō, March 20, 1914
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Extra sheet of the Tōkyō Shinbun from Friday, March 20, 1914
>> ARMY AND NAVY UNITED IN LAND WARFARE! <<
As it became known today, the armed forces of the army and navy, previously known mainly for their mutual hostilities, have begun a joint attack on land on Wēihǎiwèi. As Rikugun-Taishō Hasegawa Yoshimichi, the chief of staff of the Japanese army, announced, this attack began two days ago, right after the naval battle.
According to the report, two army divisions and a regiment of marines set off from Zhifu to Wēihǎiwèi several days ago to begin the attack on the former Japanese possession immediately after the destruction of the East Asia Squadron of the Royal Navy.
But the British garrison is still resisting the attack.
Extra sheet of the Tōkyō Shinbun from Tuesday, March 31, 1914
>> Strange silence in Japan's barracks! <<
There are unanimous reports from all parts of the country that there is remarkably little activity in the barracks of the Imperial Japanese Army. However, rumours that the assault on Wēihǎiwèi had come to a standstill and that additional divisions had therefore crossed over to Wēihǎiwèi were not confirmed.
News from Europe is certain, according to which trade goods from Asia were rationed during the Empire. Even if the naval leadership did not make a statement, this is due to a successful cruiser war by Japanese merchant disruptors.
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Extra sheet of the Tōkyō Shinbun from Monday, April 6, 1914
>> Bad weather prevents naval battles! <<
According to the Ministry of the Navy, the Imperial Japanese Navy and Royal Navy have faced each other several times in the past week during extremely adverse weather conditions. Neither side actively searched for the battle. However, since the fleet units of the Royal Navy were apparently clearly superior to the Japanese squadrons, this can only be seen as a disgrace for the British Empire.
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From the War Chronicles of Imperial Japan:
>> Attack on Takao April 15, 1914 <<
The spies of the British Empire had not escaped Japan's ambitions. It was also hard to hide the fact that there were an unusually large number of transports at the southern tip of Formosa and that several divisions of the Japanese Army had arrived in the city of Takao (Kaohsiung). The goal of these troops had been quite easy to find out. Hong Kong was the only British territory within reach of this invasion force, and even that was already at the very edge of possibility.
The Royal Navy did not intend to be taken by surprise a second time. Before this fleet set sail, a squadron of the Royal Navy set out to stop the invasion.
On the morning of the fifteenth of April 1914, the British unit met the intended escort of the invasion fleet. However, he was not in the harbour to bunker, but carried out a manoeuvre with the coastal defence ships, simulating a British attack.
The manoeuvre turned into bloody seriousness within a very short time!
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The Japanese fleet was led by the battlecruiser Nisshin. The Nisshin was classified as an armoured cruiser until its conversion and belonged to the notorious Iwate class. Whether the ship was now rightly a battlecruiser, Kaigun-Shōshō Ōji-sama Fushimi Hiroyasu should soon be able to find out.
Kaigun-Shōshō Ōji-sama Fushimi Hiroyasu's squadron consisted of the Japanese 1st Cruiser Division with the two battlecruisers Nisshin and Myoko, the Japanese 3rd Reconnaissance Division with the protected cruisers Chitose and Kasagi, as well as the Japanese 2nd Torpedo Boat Flotilla and the Japanese 4th Torpedo Boat Flotilla.
Japanese 1st Cruiser Division:
Battlecruiser Nisshin (flagship)
Battlecruiser Myoko
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Japanese 3rd Reconnaissance Division:
Protected cruiser Chitose, Kasagi
Battlecruiser Nisshin – flagship of Kaigun-Shōshō Ōji-sama Fushimi Hiroyasu
Work carried out during the modernization:
Installation of torpedo bulges – weight increased from 13,500 tonnes to 14,000 tonnes
New engine system – despite torpedo bulges now 23 knots instead of 22 knots
"0" quality guns instead of "-1" quality
New Additional Protected 8x 3inch
