November 1904, the Japanese Army persisted in a frontal attack and failed again in its third consecutive attack on the fortress, symbolized by a “White Sash Team” battle. Nogi refused the Third Army insisting the frontal attack and decided to operate 203 Hill. However, 203 Hill was also protected by robust Russian forts and the number of Japanese victims continued increasing. Saneyuki believed this offense and defense is the decisive battle of Russo-Japanese War. In such a situation, the Chief of Staff, Kodama went to Lushun to command the Third Army on behalf of Nogi in the knowledge that it might disturb military order. Nogi discussed with Kodama. Nogi temporally left the command of the Third Army to Kodama. In December, Kodama modified the plan of the Third Army and attacked 203 Hill with full effort. Through a hard-fought battle, 203 Hill finally fell with a great number of victims. The Japanese Army shelled the Lushun Fleet of Russia. Port Arthur Blockade Operation of the Combined Fleet under the command of Togo which had lasted 10 months ended.
