Togo reported that the Combined Fleet would immediately attack and destroy the enemy, adding the memorable observation that the weather was fine but the waves high. The phrase later acquired a cultural role similar to stories of Drake finishing his bowls before the Spanish Armada. At 13:55 Togo hoisted the Z flag with a predetermined message that the empire's fate depended on the battle and every man must do his utmost. The wording deliberately echoed the Nelsonian tradition of signaling before decisive action. Togo and his staff understood that the battle had to sustain morale, impress Britain, and fit a recognizable heroic pattern as well as defeat the Russian fleet.
Notable Point · 1:58:37-2:00:48
Togo framed Tsushima as a national test
Weather reports, the Z flag, and Nelsonian language helped turn the coming action into a story meant for sailors, government, allies, and posterity.