Somerville joined the British force monitoring Russia's Baltic Fleet near the Singapore Strait during the Russo-Japanese War. Although the reinforcements arrived late, the ships sighted the Russians, exchanged salutes, and made British observation unmistakable. The Russian force was continuing toward the battle in which it would eventually be defeated at Tsushima. The encounter gave Somerville practical experience in naval surveillance, conflict monitoring, and restrained signaling without becoming a combat action.
Notable Point · 20:07-21:03
Monitoring Russia's fleet during the Russo-Japanese War
Service on the China Station exposed Somerville to naval surveillance and signaling as Russia's Baltic Fleet passed toward its eventual battle at Tsushima.