CHINESE LINES POUNDED

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 90, 13 October 1937, Page 11

CHINESE LINES POUNDED

SHANGHAI FRONT

PRELUDE TO BIG OFFENSIVE

(Received October 13,10.5 a.m.)

SHANGHAI, October 12.

The pounding of the Chinese lines north of the International Settlement continued all day, it is believed as a prelude to the great Japanese offensive, for which the weather is now favourable. After artillery fire, aeroplanes terrifically bombed the ShanghaiWoosung railway near the North Stai tion.

The Chinese spokesman claims that artillery scored direct hits on two Japanese transports unloading troops at Whangpoo.

The following cablegram was received by the Chinese Consul from Nanking last night:— Ja'panese units east of the LiuhangTazang highway were driven back to the edge of Wentsaopang. To hold off the Chinese attack the Japanese used poison gas cylinders, which burst upon landing among advancing Chinese troops. The Chinese successes on this front threaten the Japanese rear. The main .Japanese forces are concentrated on the Wentsaopang line, their objective being Tazang. A general attack was launched this morning, and heavy fighting is proceeding. Japanese planes, in relays, attempted to bomb the Chinese reinforcements at Tazang. Chinese troops are counterattacking all along the line with effective artillery support.

The Chinese batteries at Pootung successfully bombarded Japanese ships, and three are reported to have been damaged by direct hits.