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BATTLE // May 24, 1904

Battle of Nanshan

Cartographic map of the Battle of Nanshan
Cheremisov, Vladimir Andreevich. Черемисов, Владимир Андреевич., via Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

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Source · Wikipedia

Significance

The Battle of Nanshan was fought across a two-mile-wide defense line at the narrowest point of the Liaodong Peninsula, a position covering the approaches to Port Arthur. Despite a Russian defending force of approximately 3,800 against a Japanese attacking force of 35,500, the engagement produced disproportionately high Japanese casualties of over 6,000 against Russian losses of around 1,600. The battle's outcome determined control of the peninsula's chokepoint, making it a pivotal action in the Japanese drive toward Port Arthur during the Russo-Japanese War. Securing the Nanshan line and the 116-meter Nanshan Hill opened the route southward along the Liaodong Peninsula, positioning Japanese forces to press the siege that would become one of the war's defining campaigns.

Tactics

The battle was fought across a two-mile-wide defense line at the narrowest part of the Liaodong Peninsula and on the 116-meter Nanshan Hill. Beyond these positional dispositions, the overview does not describe the specific maneuvers, unit movements, or tactical methods employed by either side.

Forces & casualties

Troop strength

  • Empire of Japan35,500
    medium
  • Russian Empire3,800
    medium

Empire of Japan fielded a 9.3 : 1 numerical advantage

Casualties

  • Empire of Japan6,198
    medium17% loss rate
  • Russian Empire1,616
    medium43% loss rate

Commanders (6)

Empire of Japan

Russian Empire

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6 sibling battles · 3 factions

Last verified May 2026
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