3-082-142 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

In the Dockyard, Port Arthur, 1895. First Sino-Japanese War. 'The taking of Port Arthur is so important an event in the war that the following account from an onlooker will be of special interest. Writing from Chefoo, our correspondent says: "Admiral Fremantle left Chefoo with the British squadron early in the afternoon of Nov. 23. The fleet consisted of the Centurion, Undaunted, Crescent and Edgar (the two new first-class cruisers), Leander, Mercury, Severn, Porpoise, and AEolus (new second-class cruiser). The morning of the 24th was occupied in target practice, the Centurion going into Ta-lien-whan Bay, which is occupied by the Japanese for a base of operations against Port Arthur. The fleet reassembled in the afternoon and proceeded towards Port Arthur. The Japanese flag was seen flying over the principal fort and the fleet lying at anchor under the western forts. The English fleet anchored in two lines and paid the Japanese Admiral the compliment of a salute'. From "Illustrated London News", 1895.