BATTLE RAGES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23109, 6 August 1938, Page 15

BATTLE RAGES

TERRIFIC HEAT SPANISH INFERNO DAY OF SLAUGHTER FRANCO'S OFFENSIVE By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright LONDON, August -1 Weary troops are lighting on desperately on the Ebro front in a heat wave with a temperature of 110, says a message from Saragossa. The sufferings of the wounded, many of whom are untended, are indescribable. Waves of insurgent aeroplanes from Saragossa flew over the Ebro at dawn in an attempt to dislodge the loyalists at Gandesa and Fayon, darkness ending a day of slaughter. General Franco continues to rush up reinforcements, and meanwhile is flinging in Moroccan shock troops. The insurgents apparently have not gained ground after three days of battering. Madrid awakened at dawn to heavy gunfire from University City. The insurgents delivered a surprise attack but were routed. Twelve people were killed and 24 injured in an air raid on Aquilas. The loyalists arc reported to have consolidated their gains on the Tenid front. Rebel airmen are more active all over Spain. They are concentrating on coastal towns, which are being bombed incessantly. An official report from Saragossa says it is irrefutably proved that 1000 French officers, including actives on leave and reservists, are lighting with the loyalists on the Ebro front. It is also declared that leading members of the loyalist General Staff and many commanders of brigades and regiments are foreigners. CONDEMNED MEN APPEAL IN MADRID (Received August 5, fi.s p.m.) MADKID, August 4 The 2.'! defendants who were sentenced to death on Tuesday on charges of high treason and espionage have appealed on the ground that they were merely accessories. The hearing of the appeals before the State Council is pending.