To fire away our ammunition pointlessly in this manner was unjustifiable, nay suicidal, and the motive for doing so is difficult to comprehend.
The following were some reports received on the 29th:
'There has been gun and rifle-fire all night. A fight is now being waged for the trenches. In Chi-kuan-shan the enemy have blown in the roof and outer wall of the caponier, and are making use of iron shields in the attack. From the opening they have dug a trench to their trenches. The fire is increasing on Erh-lung-shan, Fortification No. 3, and Tumulus.'
On the night of the 29th a heavy bombardment of the position took place, and on the 30th there was a general assault. The following telephone messages will show the progress of the fighting:
From Colonel Naumenko.
11.50 a.m.—'The artillery-fire is increasing. Shrapnel has begun. We are awaiting the attack.'
From Sub-Lieutenant Vonliarliarsky.
12 noon.—'The Japs are storming B Battery.'
12.30 p.m.—'A bayonet fight is going on in B Battery.'
12.50 p.m.—'A Japanese flag has been planted on the parapet of B Battery. It has been torn down, but the Japs are near the guns.'