Battle of Tsushima
1905 · Tsushima Strait · World · Modern
Using the T-crossing tactic, Togo all but annihilated the Russian expeditionary fleet.
Belligerents
Japanese Combined Fleet
- Commanders
- Togo Heihachiro
- Strength
- 4 battleships, 8 armored cruisers and other ships
Russian Second Pacific Squadron
- Commanders
- Rozhestvensky
- Strength
- About 38 ships incl. 8 battleships
Background
Russia's Baltic Fleet sailed halfway around the world to reinforce the Far East and fought a decisive battle with the Japanese at Tsushima.
Course of the battle
- Seize positionJapanese ships steamed across the head of the Russian column, crossing its T.
- Salvo fireThey concentrated their fire to cripple the Russian flagship and main force.
- Pursue and annihilateTorpedo boats pursued through the night, and the remnants surrendered.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1905 |
|---|---|
| Place | Tsushima Strait |
| Result | Using the T-crossing tactic, Togo all but annihilated the Russian expeditionary fleet. |
| Winner | Japan |
| Casualties | The Russians lost over 20 ships and over 10,000 killed, wounded or captured; the Japanese lost only 3 torpedo boats. |
| Territorial change | Russia's defeat in the Russo-Japanese War was sealed, and Japan joined the ranks of the great powers. |
Impact
The first great naval battle in modern times in which an Asian nation defeated a European power.
See the world in 1905 on the map →