The Japanese force contained four modern battleships, an older ironclad battleship, eight armored cruisers, numerous protected cruisers, 21 destroyers, 45 torpedo boats, and extensive auxiliary support. Its first, second, third, and special-duty squadrons gave subordinate flag officers defined responsibilities. Russia brought more vessels labeled battleships but far fewer modern escorts and a much thinner command structure. An armed merchant ship did not become a true cruiser merely because an order of battle called it one. Labels and cumulative totals concealed two very different fighting organizations.
Chapter · 34:59-39:27
Japan assembled a layered order of battle
Japan distributed battleships, cruisers, auxiliaries, and light craft among several commands, while Russian labels exaggerated the strength of merchant conversions and obsolete capital ships.