by mid-september the japanese had dug over eight kilometers (5 miles) of trenches and were within 70 meters (230 feet) of the waterworks redoubt, which they attacked and captured on september 19, 1904. thereafter they successfully took the temple redoubt, while another attacking force was sent against both namakoyama and 203 meter hill. the former was taken that same day, but on 203 meter hill the russian defenders cut down the dense columns of attacking troops with machine gun and cannon fire in swathes. the attack failed, and the japanese were forced back, leaving the ground covered with their dead and wounded. the battle at 203 meter hill continued for several more days, with the japanese gaining a foothold each day, only to be forced back each time by russian counter-attacks. by the time general nogi abandoned the attempt, he had lost over 3500 men. the russians used the respite to begin strengthening the defenses on 203 meter hill yet further, while nogi began a prolonged artillery bombardment of the town and those parts of the harbor within range of his guns.