The history of the Russian Imperial Navy is rich in names of boats whose service was filled with drama and heroism. gunboat "Korean"This small but well-armed boat became a symbol of resilience at the beginning of the Russo-Japanese War, and its name is forever inscribed in the annals of maritime history thanks to events that took place off the coast of Korea.
The vessel was a type of gunboat, specially designed for operations in coastal waters and shallow waters. "Korean" The hull was built in the early XX century and was a typical example of shipbuilding of that time for the Far Eastern squadrons. the design of the hull allowed it to operate effectively in difficult hydrographic conditions, which was critical for the performance of the tasks.
The main task of the boat was to ensure the presence of the fleet in the regions of interest to the empire and protect trade routes. artillery This review will examine in detail the technical aspects, the history of service and the circumstances of the destruction of the legendary boat.
History of the creation and design of the boat
The gunboat was designed to meet the specific requirements of the Far Eastern Theatre, and engineers needed to build a vessel with a low draft but sufficient seaworthiness to sail in the Sea of Japan. Displacement The boat was limited, which dictated strict requirements for the layout of mechanisms and weapons.
Construction was carried out in shipyards with experience in working with military orders for the fleet, special attention was paid to the strength of the hull, as the boat had to withstand storm loads and possible collisions with ice in winter. The Korean Cannon Boat It was the result of a compromise between cost, speed of construction and fighting qualities.
The design was introduced by advanced solutions in the field of steam engines and boiler plants, which allowed to develop a move sufficient to intercept merchant boats or escape from larger opponents. Crew The boat was placed in conditions that were considered acceptable by the standards of the early XX century, although the autonomy of navigation was limited by coal reserves.
- 🚢 Type of body: steel, riveted, with a ram-shaped tail.
- ⚙️ Engine: steam engines of triple expansion.
- ⚓ Anchor device: reinforced, for parking on open raids.
Importantly, the design was done in a hurry, sometimes affecting the balance of weight and stability, but overall, the project was deemed successful for coastal defense and cruise missions.
Technical specifications and armaments
The basis of the fighting power was artilleryThe boat carried several guns of different calibers, which allowed firing at both square and point targets, and the main caliber was represented by guns that could penetrate the armor of light boats of the time.
The fire control system was relatively simple, relying on visual observation and commandant experience. Guidance mechanisms They provided an acceptable rate of fire, which was critical in close combat, and additional armament included machine guns to protect against mineboat attacks and landings.
⚠️ Warning: The distribution of artillery weight on deck required strict compliance with coal and water loading rules to ensure that the boat was not damaged.
Below is a table with the main tactical and technical specifications of the gunboat:
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Longest length | 54.9 meters |
| Width | 9.6 meters |
| Sludge | 3.4 meters |
| Displacement | 1030 tons |
| Speed of travel | 13 knots |
The power plant included several boilers running on coal fuel. Power reserve. It allowed crossings along the coast without frequent refueling, but in wartime logistics became a critical factor.
Service in the Far East
After commissioning, the boat was sent to the Pacific Fleet, basing in ports that allowed control of the entrance to the bay and the surrounding waters. "Korean" He was often involved in diplomatic missions, displaying the flag in the ports of foreign countries.
During peacetime, the crew was engaged in combat training, training in shooting and maneuvering, with special attention to interaction with other boats of the squadron. Navigational equipment It allowed you to feel confident off the coast of Korea, teeming with shallows and reefs.
With the onset of tensions with Japan, the regime of service changed, the boat switched to increased duty, patrolling designated areas, and the crew was in constant readiness for combat, which required high discipline and endurance.
- 🌊 Patlating territorial waters and searching for violators.
- 🔫 Exercise emergency preparation for the battle on alarm.
- 📡 Maintaining communication with shore posts and other boats.
Service in the Far East was fraught with logistical difficulties, but the boat was maintained in good condition by the engineers and the Boatsman crew.
The beginning of the Russo-Japanese War
January 1904 was a watershed moment, and tensions in the region reached a peak, and the war was only a matter of time. The Korean Cannon Boat During this period, she was in the port of Incheon (Chemulpo), where foreign boats were also based.
The command was aware of the vulnerability of the Russian boats in the port open to attack, but the port's diplomatic status and the presence of neutral vessels placed restrictions on the actions of the parties. boat commander He took all measures to protect the boat entrusted to him.
On the night of January 27, 1904, Japanese destroyers attacked a Russian squadron at Port Arthur, effectively marking the beginning of the war, and the situation remained tense at Incheon, but formally peaceful. Crew The Korean and the Varyag cruiser, which was in port, were preparing for the worst.
Why didn’t the boats leave the port in advance?
Leaving a neutral port at the time of the outbreak of hostilities could have been regarded as a violation of international law, putting Russia at a diplomatic disadvantage, and going to sea without intelligence on enemy forces would have been suicide.
When the war broke out, the Russian boats were trapped, facing the overwhelming Japanese fleet blocking the port’s exit, and staying in port was also dangerous because of the risk of torpedo attacks.
The battle of Chemulpo and the feat of the crew
On the morning of January 27, 1904, Japanese Rear Admiral Urio Sotokichi issued an ultimatum: leave the port before 16:00 or be attacked. cruiser Varyag gunboat "Korean" They decided to go into battle, not to surrender and not to disgrace the flag.
At 11:20, the boats left port and headed towards the Japanese squadron, and an unequal battle ensued, and the Japanese had an overwhelming advantage in speed, number of guns and their range. "Korean"Having a smaller caliber, he fired together with the "Varyag", trying to keep the line.
⚠️ Warning: During the course of the battle, the Korean received several hits, which led to a fire and a roll.
Despite the commanders' heroism, the damage was too great, the boat lost its course and ability to fire effectively, and, given the hopelessness of the situation and to prevent the enemy from seizing the boat, the commander decided to return to port to sink.
- 💥 The impacts on the building and the building caused severe fires.
- 🌊 The roll and the differentiator made it impossible to use part of the guns.
- 🚩 The crew was evacuated to neutral vessels after the opening of the Kingstons.
At 18:00, the Korean was sunk in a raid, and the crew was picked up by foreign captains who showed humanity, one of the most striking examples of military prowess.
The fate of the boat after the sinking
After the end of hostilities and the signing of peace, the question of the recovery of sunken boats became a problem. "Korean"It was decided to raise the vessel for design study or disposal.
In 1905, the boat was raised by Japanese rescuers, but the damage sustained in battle and from prolonged exposure to the water proved too serious, and the restoration was considered inappropriate. hull It was broken down into metal in the following years.
☑️ Factors that have affected the inability to recover
The name of the gunboat, the Korean, has been remembered as a symbol of loyalty to duty, and in the Soviet Union and modern Russia, new boats were named to honor the feat of the crew, continuing the glorious traditions of the fleet.
The Korean cannon boat died, but did not surrender, becoming an eternal symbol of the courage of the Russian sailor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why didn’t the Koreans leave for Port Arthur before the war?
The boat was on a business trip to the port of Incheon for diplomatic and commercial purposes, and the outbreak of hostilities and the blockade of the port by the Japanese Navy made it impossible to sail without a fight.
What was the crew size at the time of the battle?
At the time of the battle, Chemulpo had about 80 officers and sailors on board the Korean, and crew losses in combat were avoided thanks to an organized evacuation.
Did you try to get the boat up immediately after the battle?
No, the immediate post-fight boom was not made because of the ongoing fighting, and the Japanese did not take up the issue until after the war ended and the peace treaty was signed in 1905.
Was the memory of the boat preserved in the USSR?
Yes, during the Soviet era, the name "Korean" was worn by several boats, including patrol boats and large sea hunters, which emphasized the continuity of maritime traditions.