Japanese decisive-battle thinking looked back to Tsushima, where Russia had sent a fleet around the world without adequate support. The expedition included ships with little operational value. The long voyage left the force needing extensive repairs and preparation before a serious fleet action. A hypothetical remedy would have required months at a well-equipped base, with repair facilities and Russian equipment available. Attrition and support failures had weakened the fleet before the decisive encounter.
Notable Point · 27:08-28:30
Tsushima and the cost of an unsupported fleet deployment
Russia's long deployment without adequate support left its fleet poorly prepared for the decisive battle Japan sought.