WAR IN THE EAST

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1932, Page 5

WAR IN THE EAST

HEAVY CASUALTIES REPORTED WOUNDED FILL HOSPITAL. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) SHANGHAI, Feb. 26. The Japanese declare that five hundred have been killed during the last five days. The Chinese estimated between three and four hundred killed to-day. Lorries piled with wounded are arriving in the Settlement. There appalling scenes are being witnessed at the crowded Chinese hospitals. Wounded are lying in the corridors, j One ward is filled with women suffering shell and bayonet wounds including a girl who alleges she saw her whole family shot. She volunteered for the Red Cross in the front line, because she wished to die. JAPS CLAIM SUCCESS. RUGBY. Feb. 25. A Shanghai message states that the Japanese claim - successes along a two mile front, near Houkouehia. which they stated they captured. Chinese shells were, late to-night, falling in the Hongkew portion of the International Settlement. DESTRUCTIVE JAP AIR RAID. CHINESE' GRADUALLY AVEAKENENING,

jßecei' ed this day at. 10.15 a.m.) SHANGHAI, February 26. Continuing their tactics crippling the Chinese air defences, and landing fields, Japanese planes this morning paid a surprise visit t-o Hangchow, where a large number of Chinese planes had been transferred from Hunjao. and appeared over Sienchiao, the military aeroplane depot on the outskirts of Hanchow. Twenty-five bombers loosened high explosives, sending a devastating shower of bombs crashing on to the hangars and workshops completely wrecking the airport and landing field, and demolishing a number of Chinese military planes. In a fight before the bombing was reported, two Chinese planes were shot down, and one Japanese plane forced down. The air raid by the Japanese, is the third this week. Other bombers to-day circled over Chapei, destroying a large area round the AJ'/kham road station. Japanese planes also took advantage of the perfect flying condition® last night, making an aerial attack on Chapei, and dropping an enormous quantity of bombs. Terrible- damage was inflicted, being indicated by the large number entering the Settlement this morning. The incessant Itombardment of the .Chinese lines at Kiang AVnn jg having its effect on the Chinese, who, though stubbornly resisting, are gradually weakening, enabling the Japanese to continue their slow push, resulting indie capture of another important village Yen Chia Tsai after a sharp battle. This morning’s drive enabled the Japanese troops completely to sur- j round Kiang AVan village, which had j isncpasfully resisted- all bombardment j attacks. The last avenue of retreat I is now closed, leaving the intrepid j Chinese defenders isolated, but still j fighting. Fighting fins temporarily shifted I away from Shanghai and is concentra- j ted at Kiang Wan. j