FIGHT OF THE CESAREVITCH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 217, 10 September 1904, Page 5

FIGHT OF THE CESAREVITCH.

A TERRIBLE PICTURE. Admiral Withoeft's Fate. (Received 10.5 aan.) SYDNEY, this day.

Details of the Russian fleet's dash from Port Arthur give- a vivid description of .he Cesarevitch's flight. It appears that .he Cesarevitch, steaming at a good pace, jecame a target for a good many of the Japanese guns.

She led a number of vessels through he Japanese cordon, but was badly damiged before she got out of sight, heading tor the Shantung Promontory all the ime. For a considerable distance she was followed by the Japanese warships Asashi Mikasa, Shikishima, Fugi, Nis■ihin, Kasuga Yakumo, Kasagi, Chitose md Takasagd, and several torpedo-boats. .

Their fire was rapid and dangerous, though none of the shots took effect below the water line.

The Cesarevitch pounded away with her '.'stern chasers," and managed to inflict a certain amount of damage on the Japanese ships, but not sufficient to stop my of them. About 4.30 p.m. the purmers closed in on the fugitive near the Shantung Promontory, and severe fighting ensued.

Shells fell thick and fast on the deck of the Cesarevitch, and one swept away the bridge on which the admiral and his staff were standing. Another shell smashed in amongst a group of officers with horrible results. When the smoke cleared the woodwork of the bridge had been smashed to splinters, and the woodwork had been twisted and torn.

Only the legs of Admiral Withoeft could be found. Pieces of the flesh of the chin were discovered among the bridge gearing, and blood was scattered every.vhere in the vicinity.

The chief of the navigating staff and the flag lieutenant were also killed and mutilated, and the captain was the only one on the bridge who was not wounded. His escape wae remarkable since he was close to where the group amongst whom theshell exploded was standing. The Cesarevitch put on as much speed , as possible as soon /is the disaster occurred, and gradually outdistanced her pursuers. Towards nightfall the Japanese drew off, and the Cesarevitch got into Isingtao Harbour very badly damaged. The funnels had totally gone, the bridge was in splinters, and the decks were broken and covered with debris, while the hull showed several big holes above the water line.