After five days of pounding the Russian outer defenses at Port Arthur with little gain but at great cost, the Japanese commander Nogi, hoped to achieve tactical surprise by launching a night attack on the Wantai Heights.
Seven battalions would mount an infiltration attack through a narrow ravine to capture a position known as the 'Eagles Nest,' just east of Redoubt no. 1.
However, Japanese artillery fire had little effect and the Russians were fully alert and able to pour fire down onto the Japanese in the ravine.
In this painting, Nogi has sent in the 7th Infantry Regiment in one more attack. They attempt to cut the barbed wire with the dead and wounded from previous attempts all around. Japanese soldiers wait for the wire to be cut using whatever cover they can to avoid Russian searchlights, flares and heavy fire.
Only a few Japanese reached the heights but could not capture them. Nogi's first assault on the Russian defenses had failed, with thousands of Japanese casualties.

From Osprey Publishing's: Port Arthur 1904-05

PRICE: £675.00 (unframed)
SIZE: Image approx. H 34 cm x W 50 cm (H 13.5 x W 19.5 inches)
MEDIUM: Watercolour and gouache