alternatehistory.com

The Russo-Japanese War has been fascinating me recently and, after doing some reading, I think I found an interesting PoD that can have massive ramifications later on. On March 22, the Japanese battleships Fuji and Yashima were bombarding Port Arthur but did little damage. The attack was called off when Fuji was hit by a twelve-inch shell and had to be sent to Sasebo for repairs. Suppose the Russians got a lucky shot and hit one of Fuji's magazines and she sinks. I think this would set back the Japanese plans, and butterfly away Vice Admiral Makarov's death by minefield. This would both strengthen the Russian position and weaken the Japanese, perhaps allowing for a Russian victory later on. I'm wondering if this is plausible, or if I have to change other factors make Russian victory in this war work.
Top