APPALLING TOLL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 273, 17 November 1936, Page 7

APPALLING TOLL.

DESPERATE CLASH. Savage Hand-to-,Hand Combat For Capital. FULL OFFENSIVE OPENS. United Press Associatlon.-M^opyright. (Receired 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, November 10. General Franco has apparently launched a frill offensive preceded by the crashing roar of destruction from aeroplanes. The latest news from the "Daily Telegraph" correspondent with the rebels discloses that after shattering the defences at Manzanares with 15 bombing 'planes, protected by 18 scout machines, the insurgents captured and crossed the Segovia, Toledo and Princesa bridges and began to fight their way through the streets against fiercest resistance. They made only 200 yards headway, however. Loyalists fought from house to house, both sides suffering terribly. Colonel Barron attempted an advance along the C'alle de Segovia, leading to the Calle Mayor and Puerta del Sol, and Colonel Ascensio tried to force a passage northwards with the same objective along the Calle de Toledo, Colonel Telle supporting their movements, but they were unable to effect a junction. Loyalists dead were so thick in the narrow streets that rebel tanks were unable to penetrate to support 'the infwitry, who eventually were brought to a standstill. Meanwhile, Colonels Castejon and Bartolomeu, on the north-west, consolidated the occupation of the Moncloa district with small loss. Colonel Delgado holds West Park, overlooking the riverbanft and adjoining the National Palace, and Acmudena Cathedral, but Loyalists counter-attacked towards Campa Mento in his rear in order to cut him of, also exterminating Moorish supports crossing the Casa del Campo and preventing the advance of rebel reinforcements from Escorial.

Loyalists Fall Back.

The "Daily Mail" Madrid correspondent declares that Moors and Legionaries outmatch the militia in savage hand-to-hand fighting, compelling Loyalists to fall back on their second lines of defence.

General Miaja's directional committee remains in continuous session.

Meanwhile, French Bridge is still the scene of conflict, the Government having massed tanks, armoured cars and anti-aircraft guns behind the front and installed searchlights to assist in dealing with night attacks.

Moncloa was earlier declared a war area and was evacuated by citizens, so that there are no civilian casualties. The British United Press states that a Government bombing 'plane is observing an insurgent force of 200 consolidated in this area.

"The Times" Madrid correspondent points out that the Government threatens the rebels outside Madrid on either flank between Aranjuez and Escorial high roads. Rebels in the event of crossing French Bridge could command five roads from the north and north-west, and for this reason Loyalists demonstrated against their left flank forcing them through Casadel Campo to Aravaca, three miles from Madrid, and simultaneously improving the situation of Carabancliel.