Chinese Attempt to Turn Japanese Wing

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 February 1932, Page 7

Chinese Attempt to Turn Japanese Wing

INVADERS SCORE WITH BETTER EQUIPMENT.

]N T ew York Times Broadcast. SHANGHAI, Feb. 23. While the Japanese were engaged in dealing with the offensive at Kiangwan, the Chinese •opened fire east from Chapei and succeeded’ in moving four •blocks into the Hong Kew area before Japanese guns and -bombs forced the attackers back' on Chapei. Shells from Chinese guns started many fires in the International Settlement. Better Armed. The end of the third day of ■•the battle of Shanghai demonstrated clearly that the would have been defeated •except for their mastery of the •air, their possession of tanks .and their artillery superiority. Except for these mechanical advantages they have been continuously outfought by the Chinese. 'The present position of the Japanese army would be extremely if faced with an American or European force of -the same size and even with the same meagre equipment of the Chinese forces as at present strung out from Chapei, JKiangwan and Woosung. This is considered the opinion of foreign military observers at some of whom openly express amazement at the strategic and tactical risks be;ing run by General Uyeda’s •commanders.

Huge Fires. Chinese artillery shells last fiigbt started the two largest .fires experienced within the .Settlement and inside the Japanese lines, since the fighting began 25 days ago. The flames were fanned by a high wind but died down later. There was indication at any moment of new fires from the bursting shells. Jap Lines Pierced. The battle yesterday was .marked by two fierce count, er.attacks by the Chinese, which .apparently compelled the Japanese to throw in all their sreserves, to avert a disaster.- In both cases the Japanese lines were pierced by the Chinese, who were repulsed after heavy losses had been inflicted on both •-sides. ; The first attack was launched -.from Kiangwan village, which had been believed to be occupied by only a few hundred .■men after the outflanking -operations by the Japanese on 'Sunday. The Chinese advanced with amazing dash and vigour, ploughing their way ahead using bombs, hand grenades, machineguns', rifles and even bayonets. For a time the Japanese were forced to retreat such a distance that their artillery ceased ■'firing being uncertain where the line ran and fearful of injuring “their, own men. Reinforcements were hastily called from the Hong Eew. district, while the r airplanes rained bombs on the rear in order to. check the arrival of reinforcements ' for the. Chinese. In an hour fresh Japanese troops had ar--jived and the Chinese were .forced to retire.