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CAMPS AND CAMP LIFE 135
During the attacks on one of the enemy’s
positions, the two regiments detailed for this work
were one regiment of the right division and one of
the 2nd reserve regiments. The former was in
front and made the first assault. They were
driven back with heavy losses in spite of the most
brilliant dash and bravery, and the 2nd reserve
regiment was then ordered to make another attack.
Something now happened which is quite inexplic-
able and certainly without any parallel in the his-
tory of the brave Japanese army. The whole
regiment—that is, the soldiers of the regiment
refused to a man to go forward to what seemed
wholesale destruction. The major who on this
occasion was in command went forward, exposing
himself to the Russian bullets, waving his sword
and calling upon the men to follow him ;
but not
a man stirred. The major was instantly shot
dead, and after a while, whether from remorse or
for other reasons, the men went forward and
made the attack as ordered. The assault failed,
and they had to withdraw with considerable
losses.
This was, as will be readily understood, a
most disgraceful act, and so absolutely contrary
to the spirit of Japanese traditions, that it fairly
nonplussed the rest of the army. They did not
understand it, and did not quite know how to
treat such conduct. The regiment was sent back
from the fighting lines for a week or longer,
during which time they were punished by this
heavy drill and forced marches and attacks up
steep hill-sides at the double in the blazing hot
sun, and it was these same troops which were
drawn up in front of the altar, on the hill-side, to
attend services in memory of their brave major,
and afterwards to be lectured by a superior officer
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