FIGHT FOR FORT 203.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 283, 3 December 1904, Page 2

FIGHT FOR FORT 203.

THE AWFUL STRUGGLE FOR POSSESSION. STORIES OF THE LOSSES. LONDON, Dec. 1. Mr Dennett Burleigh, Daily Telegraph correspondent, reports that a further 'heavy bninbardment at Port Arthur begun on Tuesday night, and \ desperate attempts were made to tunnel towards Fort 203. There were desperate bayonet cliurgies, and casualties were heavy. It is stated that on the besiegers' side over 25,000 men have been) jjkilled outright since the siege 'began. Repeated charges on 203 Fort failed, but finally a footing was obtained within 30 metres of the summit on the south-eastern portion. The besiegers were reinforced, and after a lierce assault) captured the summit, and simultaneously the northeastern part and the entire fort. Heaps of Russian dead were found. (Received Dec. 2, 11.81 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 2. The Fort 203 battery contained several 47 millimetre quickfircrs and several 15 centimetre Canet guns. The north-eastern and south-western and central defences were built of earth and rocks, while the western summit was very strongly defended, armoured covers encircling the approaches. Mr Bennett Burleigh telegraphs that the lirstt division of stormers sufiered heavily. Simultaneously the ninth and eleventh divisions of the stormers advanced and menaced Erlungsihan, and Keekwaa. The Japanese casualties during- the 24 hours were 15,000. Fort 203 commands Itzushan, Antzushan, and Taiyangkow, besides the town and oast harbour. The Daily Express states that the terrific fire during four successive charges mowed down the Japanese literally in companies. After reinforcements had come up a fresh advance was made. The Russian fire had then perceptibly slackened, and finally the Japanese reached the trenches, clubbing and bayonetting the Russians, who bravely stood their ground. Japanese officers wielded the samurai (two-handed sword) with terrible effect. JOY IN TOKIO. ! VICTORY ATTRACTS RECRUITS FOR THE ARMY. (Received Dec. 3, 0.15 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 2. Joy is manifested in Tokio at the great victory at Fort 203. New recruits are joining the colours gladly. WARLIKE CARGO. SHELLS CONCEALED AMONG BAGS OF BEANS. (Received Dec. 3, 0.15 am) . LONDON, Dec. 2. The railway police at Chirngwangtao discovered 549 quickfirer shells concealed in a cargo of bags „•- beans from Simitun. Three Chinese who were arrested confessed that they had been hired to convey the ammunition to Port Arthur. '