FLAMING PETROL

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19125, 21 September 1936, Page 5

FLAMING PETROL

SPANISH WEAPON GRIM TOLEDO BATTLE FIGHT FOR ALCAZAR DEFENCE BY INSURGENTS APPEAL BY DIPLOMATS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Sept. 21, 11.39 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. >2O. Reports from Madrid state that the loyalist attack on the Alcazar at Toledo was' savagely resumed yesterday following the explosion of mines which on Friday caused extensive damage to the rebels’ stronghold. The defenders, however, doggedly maintained possession of the shapeless mass of granite, which was once a- magnificent citadel. The Government accounts for the failure to subdue it by stating that the principal mine failed to explode. The besiegers later decided to employ fire hoses to drench the citadel with petrol and then ignite it, forcing the occupants to choose between surrender and incineration. FIRE BRIGADE HOSES To-day fire brigade hoses poured streams of petrol over the occupied parts of the Alcazar. Then bombs ignited the petrol and huge sheets ol flame enshrouded the former headquarters of the military governor which the strong force of rebels had recaptured. The Government forces vainly tried to expel the rebels, being driven back by enormous clouds of thick, choking smoke from the burning petrol. One rebel, braving a hail of bullets, rushed out and grabbed a hose from a fireman’s hand and turned the stream of petrol on the Government supporters, and held the hose while they poured bullets into him till he fell dead. Then .a party of insurgents made a desperate sortie in the teeth of a heavy fusilade. Many were killed and wounded before they retired. ,

The (diplomatic corps in Madrid is trying to obtain an armistice at the Alcazar to save tlie women and children. The Chilean Ambassador suggests that an armistice for 24 hours will save the lives of 900 women and children.

An insurgent broadcast from Cadiz claims that the cruisers Almirante Cervera and Espana engaged the Libertad and another Government cruiser trying to raise the blockade on Bilbao and Oijon, and sank both. BRITISH REFUGEES CALL FOR ASSISTANCE LOSS OF POSSESSIONS (British Official Wireless.) Reed. noon. RUGBY, Sept. 20. A letter signed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and the Archbishop of Westminster and v others appeals for funds for British refugees from Spain, many of whom have reached England entirely destitute. Harrowing examples are cited of men ancT women who have spent most of their lives in Spain and built up prosperous businesses or professional connections and who have bad to leave behind everything, down to the smallest personal effects. . A committee has been - formed to organise help for refugees.