HEAVY FIGHTING.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 143, 20 June 1927, Page 7

HEAVY FIGHTING.

TREMENDOUS TOLL.

Northern Forces United Under

Chang Tso-lin.

NATIONALISTS RETREAT.

(By Cable—Press Association.—Copyright.)

(Received 11.30 a.m.)

SHANGHAI, June 19.

Simultaneously with the installation of Chang Tso-lin as generalissimo of the Northern forces, the Shantungese launched a counter-attack in Southern Shantung, compelling the Nationalists to retreat to Tsining, where they are preparing a stand.

Heavy fighting and tremendous toll of life are reported. Hitherto the Northerners have been operating independently, but it is believed the institution of a unified command under Chang Tso-lin, will alter the situation.

The Middlesex Battalion proceeds to Weihaiwei to-morrow to reinforce the Border regiment.