the highest elevation within port arthur, designated "203 meter hill", overlooked the harbor. the name "203-meter hill" is a misnomer, as the hill consists of two peaks (203 meters and 210 meters high, and 140 meters apart) connected by a sharp ridge. it was initially unfortified; however, after the start of the war the russians realized its critical importance and built a strong defensive position. as well as the natural strength of its elevated position with steep sides, it was protected by a massive redoubt and two earth-covered keeps reinforced by steel rails and timber, and completely surrounded by electrified barbed wire entanglements. it was also connected to the neighboring strongholds on false hill and akasakayama by trenches. on top of the lower peak was the fortified russian command post in reinforced concrete. the russian defenders entrenched on the summit of were commanded by colonel tretyakov, and were organized into five companies of infantry with machine gun detachments, a company of engineers, a few sailors and a battery of artillery.