Who's Who in the Far East/TOGO, Admiral Heihachiro
TOGO, Admiral Heihachiro (TOKYO), O.M.; Commander in Chief of Japanese fleet; b. Dec., 1847; m. d. of Viscount Kaiyeda. Educ.: Chiefly in England. Joined navy of Daimyo of Kagoshima, 186:3; was apptd. to "Kasuga" of the Imperial fleet, 1868, and was on board when she defeated rebel vessel " Kuaiten;" was in England studying naval matters, 1871-78, and returned to Japan on "Hiyei," one of first war vessels built in England to order of Japanese Government; precipitated China-Japanese war by sinking Chinese transport " Kowshing" although that vessel flew British flag and negotiations between China and Japan were still proceeding; was at that time in command of cruiser " Naniwa," and retained command until end of war; promoted Rear Admiral, 1895; Vice-Admiral, 1900; was given command of the combined Japanese Fleet, 1904, with rank of full Admiral; had the distinction of effectively blockading Port Arthur and defeating Russian fleet in every engagement during Russo-Japanese war; finally broke maritime power of Russia in Eastern waters in May, 1905, when practically annihilated Baltic Fleet; upon return to Japan in flag-ship " Mikasa " was given honour of national welcome and Imperial message of thanks. Decorations: 4th order Golden Kite; Order of Merit (British). Address: Department of the Navy, Tokyo, Japan.