Russian navy officers’ perception of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905

Russian Navy officers’ perception of the Russo-Japanese war, reflected in their notes, diaries, memoirs, and letters to their relatives, is considered in the article. The article is based on the memoirs of officers Cherkasov V.N., Tumanov Ya.K., Semenov V.I., Jung N. and others. The importance of taking into account the information about the Russo-Japanese War, preserved in the documentary evidence of its direct participants, to ensure the principle of “justice of history” is shown. Two points of view of the command on the development of the conflict with Japan are presented, the evolution of Russian officers’ views on the events that took place is considered. Russian Navy officers’ heroism in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 is exemplified. The importance of officers’ memoirs about the Russo-Japanese War as a historical source for a proper understanding of the situation in Russian society in the early 20th century and in the international arena is emphasized.