Chinese Attempt to Turn Japanese Wing

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6791, 24 February 1932, Page 7

Chinese Attempt to Turn Japanese Wing

INVADERS SCORE WITH BETTER EQUIPMENT. New 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 Japanese 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 continu ously outfought by the Chinese. The present position of the Japanese army would be extremely precarious 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, Kiangwan and Woosung. This is considered the opinion of foreign military observers at Shanghai, some of whom openly express amazement at the strategic and tactical risks being run by General Uyeda’s commanders. Huge Fires. Chinese artillery shells last night 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 tierce counterattacks by the Chinese, which apparently compelled the Japanese to throw in all their reserves 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, Avliich 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 Kew distinct, while the airplanes rained bombs on the Chinese rear in order to check the arrival of reinforcements for the Chinese. In an hour fresh Japanese troops had a Thrived and the Chinese Avere forced to retire.