An item reported that the Japanese cruisers Matsushima, Itsukushima and Hashidate visited Tandjong Priok, Dutch East Indies between 25-30 June 1906.(1) The Dutch newspaper Het nieuws van den dag voor Nederlandsch-Indië dated 26 June 1906 reported the arrival at Tandjong Priok that afternoon of an Japanese training squadron coming from Australia. It consisted of the protected cruisers Hashidate, Itsukushima and Matshuhisma described as quite old as they were dating from 1889-1891 and no longer fighting ships of much value. The ships were presents in the war against China 25 July 1894-17 April 1895) and later against Russia (8 February 1904-5 September 1905). Battleships and fast battle cruisers came in their place and the three cruisers were used to act against the Russian transports and colliers. All three ships had one mast and one funnel and an enormous long gun.The edition dated 2 July reported their departure from Batavia towards Singapore, the Matsushima commanded by M.O. Kunomiyo, the Itsukushima by Tsuchuyo and the Hashidate by Ishibashi. The Bataviaasch nieuwsblad dated 27th June reported the first ship as coming from Townsville, 1.030 register tons, 420 men (including 20 officers, 23 guns, the second one coming from Thursday island, 1.033 register tons, 36 officers, 57 cadets, 600 sailors, 12 guns and the third one coming from Thursday Island 36 officers, 465 men and 24 guns.
1. Jaarboek van de Koninklijke Nederlandsche Zeemacht 1905-1906
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