During the Battle of 203 Highground in the Russo-Japanese War, the bodies of Russian soldiers killed in action were gathered by the roadside in November 1904. Russian soldiers stood guard as the number of Russian casualties reached approximately 16,000.

 　During the Battle of 203 Highground in the Russo-Japanese War, Russian soldiers' bodies were collected by the roadside in November 1904. Russian soldiers stood watch. Japanese casualties at 203 Highground numbered approximately 15,400 dead and 44,000 wounded. Russian casualties included approximately 16,000 dead and 30,000 wounded.

　　The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) was a conflict between Russia and Japan over dominance in Asia. High Ground 203 towered over the hills above Port Arthur. It overlooked the closed city of Port Arthur, approximately 6.4 km away. The Russian army had constructed fortifications midway up Hill 203 to defend against Japanese attacks. If the Japanese army could place artillery on the summit, they would control the strategically vital Port Arthur harbor. Advancing south from the Yalu River, the Japanese army successively committed infantry units to the steep slopes on the side opposite the harbor. After suffering 8,000 casualties, the Japanese army captured the summit. On December 6th, reorganizing the abandoned Russian artillery units at the peak, they sank the remaining vessels of the Russian fleet anchored in Port Lushun. 

　　The Japanese army launched a surprise naval attack on Port Lushun and later imposed a blockade. Two hills overlooking Port Arthur were heavily fortified by Russian forces and named Hill 203. The Japanese army needed to capture Hill 203 before seizing the harbor. The first Japanese assault on September 20th resulted in over 6,000 casualties, leaving the 3rd Division decimated. Only after units of the 7th Division arrived did the Japanese army attempt another assault. Following extensive trench digging and artillery bombardment, the newly arrived 7th Division troops were ordered to storm Hill 203. On December 5, the Japanese army finally captured Hill 203, but the cost was immense; the 7th Division was nearly annihilated.