BATTLE FOR MADRID

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 13093, 15 February 1937, Page 5

BATTLE FOR MADRID

First Phase Ended Rebel Cavalry Cut Up Loyalists Claim Triumph tU.I'.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright). (Received Feb. 3, 5.5 p.m.) LpNDON, Feb. 12. The dosperateneeS attempted in the rebel advanco from Jaraina can be gauged from the fact that they hurled 1500 cavalry across a wrecked bridge in a half mile charge across a plain against lulls defended by machine guns. The rebels bombarded intensively, and under its cover, the horsemen advanced, tho animals stumbling on'the bridge, but a majority struggling across and surging forward in a solid mass, while the machine-guns emptied saddle alter saddle. Nevertheless the cavalry readied the foothills. The riders .flung themselves oft, left their horses with the horse holders and advanced on foot with hand grenades and won the crest of the hills.

Suddenly five Russian tanks roared into action from tho Loyalist positions and shelled the cavalry, the suivivors of which galloped lor shelter behind a blufl. The tanks then paid attention to tho rebel artillery, compelling -ts partial withdrawal. Loyalist infantry promptly left Vacia for Madrid. It traversed the plain under fire until it was able to occupy trenches previously prepared, only to be attacked by two rebel regiments numbering 5000, who crowded into groups and, between rushes, were subject to a galling fire oi machine guns from sixteen Government pianos which suddenly swooped don n from Vacia and Madrid.

Tho planes wheeled and returned to the attack to bo met with fire from rebel "Archies” which earlier had been taken by surprise. One machinegun was blown to bits in mid-aii by a- direct hit.

The remainder of the rebel artillery and tanks attempted to cross the river, but were chocked by the) loyalists. thus ending the first phase of wha-t General Franco hopes will be a decisive battle in the onslaught on Madrid.

STRUGGLE FOR.MASTERY OF VALENCIA HIGHWAY, PLANES BOMB TANKS. TERRIFIC FIGHTING WITH HEAVY LOSSES. (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright). (Received Feb. 14, 7.30 p.m.) MADRID, Feb. 13. The battle for tlio mastery of tlio Valencia highway, on which the capital’s food supplies depend, continues. Tho Government claims to have counter attacked for twenty-four hours and captured important positions near Mount’ Pajrcs, the booty

including two tanks. Tho insurgents declare that they repulsed other counter attacics, capturing fiv.e tanks aifd three guns. Reports telephoned to-night state that insurgent motorised forces again attempted to force Jarama in the afternoon but were met by a withering fire from machine guns, mortars and rifles. Scores of aeroplanes bombed tanks attempting to force the river. An insurgent aircraft arrived. The 'Government claims to have crashed three insurgent machines. One., according to the papers, was piloted by an Italian, who was killed. Tho Government asesrts that all attacks were defeated after six hours’ terrific fighting with heavy losses. Meanwhile General Franco’s forces again took tho offensive in other seci tors near Madrid, making an especial ; effort to- reach the Aragon highway in the Guadalajara region. : Fighting also recommenced in University City, where, in a battle which . lasted throughout the night, the Gov- ! eminent claims to have recovered the greater part of West Park. Tlio authorities are again urging tho. • voluntary evacuation of noncombatants in order to ea.se the food problem and avoid the dangers of bombardments and air raids, which 1 to-dav it was officially announced had I killed 573 civilians, including 101 women and 218 chidlrcn and injured 1884, of whom 900 were women, i Since the start- of the siege at Alm- : ilia, the insurgents have bombed the working class district, killing eight. I Other plane?; have dropped pamphlets demanding surrender.