On arriving in Mukden, Gripenberg repeatedly told his men that anyone retreating from their position in the upcoming campaign would be shot. During the ensuing Battle of Sandepu in January 1905, Gripenberg perceived a weakness in the Japanese lines and launched a surprise assault that threw the enemy's left flank into disarray.
Upon arriving in Mukden, Gripenberg repeatedly warned his men that those who abandoned their post before the campaign would be put to death. During the Battle of Sandepu in January 1905, Gripenberg detected a weakness in the Japanese lines and launched a surprise attack that threw the enemy's left flank into confusion.