1938-09-21 — Page 9

DECISIVE BATTLE FOR

IMMINENT

HANKOW

Scene Of Most Brilliant Exploits In History

Most Important Line Of Defence For Wuhan

Hankow, To-day.

A desperate battle is raging between large forces of Chinese and Japanese troops for possession of Tienchiacheng, on the north bank of the Yang- tse, in east Hupeh, generally known as the "key" to Hankow.

The Chinese claim that they have recaptured Lihsia- wan, north east of Tienchiacheng, but assert that the Japanese meanwhile have taken Katse- miao and Shatzelao.

The Chinese, however, are now counter-attacking these two towns in an attempt to recapture the lost ground.

One of the greatest battles in

the Sino-Japanese war is expected

to be fought at Tienchiacheng, DISABLED JAP.

which has been the scene of numerous bloody engagements in Chinese history.

Due to its strategic importance WARSHIPS

and almost impregnable position, history shows that the greatest battle has always been fought at this Yangtse fort by whichever

TOWED INTO

Chinese general happened to be SHANGHAI

defending Hankow.

In thousands of years, it is

stated, no defender of Tienchia-

the last.

Shanghai, To-day.

A BUSY TIME FOR NEDDY., Donkey rides are still popular. even with grown-ups. These girls at Weston-super-Mare were high- ly amused at the prospect of a donkey race on the san

right).

(Copy-

REMARKABLE CAR SMASH FATALITY IN KOWLOON

ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING CAR SMASHES OF THE YEAR OCCURRED IN THE EARLY HOURS OF THIS MORNING AT THE CORNER OF NATHAN ROAD AND GRANVILLE ROAD AS THE RESULT OF WHICH SHENG SIEN YEE, "OF 9 GAP. ROAD, WAS KILLED AND HIS BROTHER WAS REMOVED TO HOSPÍTAL SUFFERING FROM SHOCK.

The sight of the Ford V8 liter-

cheng has ever surrendered, the Mute evidence of the staunch garrison having always fought to Chinese resistance against the ally wrapped around the pillar out- Japanese naval drive along the NO DISHONOUR

Yangise was seen by local ship-side Lane, Crawford's Kowloon branch greeted work-goers” this In a telephone conversation with ping men on Sunday and Mon- Hankow yesterday, the commander day when two disabled Japanese lation, as to how the car could have morning and a great deal of specu- of the Chinese forces defending warships were towed into Shang- got into such, an extraordinary Tienchiacheng, which comprise hai harbour.

position, was aroused. China's best trained and best

of

equipped troops, assured the au- The first was a destroyer, bear- The car had the appearance thorities here that the history of ing the name Ataka," with having been picked up by a giant Tienchiacheng will not be dis-several holes where apparently hand and thrown broadside on into honoured by the present defenders. Chinese shells had struck the the pillar. The seat next to the [driver received the full force of Tienchiacheng, with the Yang-véssel.

the crash and is flattened in almost The second warship, which ar- to the gear levers. is the idea: rived late on Monday afternoon,Blood-soaked cushions and pow- stronghold. The. Yangise flows showed evidence of having beendered glass, tell their own tale. here through deep gorges.

sunk and refloated, according to

tse River to the south, a lake on the east and · · mountains to the north and west,

The Chinese possess elaborate local shipping quarters. A num- defence works; with bombproof ber of holes were visible in the reinforced concrete gun emplace-[hull. ments, the latest types of heavy

guns and a very strong river boom.

Reuter.

BIG AREA IN FERMENT

Hankow, To-day.

Fighting on the Yangtze River

front is developing into a major

battle for Tienchiachen.

The thea- area lying

Reuter.

STRANGE FREAK

By a strange freak, the rear seat

PRISON ROASTING HORROR

Philadelphia, To-day. The Grand Jury here yesterday

returned: murder and manslaugh- fer indictments against ten of- fleials and guards in Philadelphia county, prison in connexion with the deaths of the four convicts who were found roasted in their cells.--Reuter.

Kwong Lul, superintendant of which projects beyond the pillar, the Central Taxi Company, has re- has escaped almost without damage ENER

ported the loss of two $100 notes, and it was due to this that the bro-

SANGUINARY. ther of deceased escaped without between No. 188 Connaught Road

FIGHTING

Hankow, To-day. Fighting for the possession of tre of war covers the south of Kwangtsi, west of Wusueh Hwangchwan (Kwangchow), con- and north of Tienchiachen.

tinues with undiminished violence. Japanese troops at Wusuch are According to field dispatches, moving westward to Tienchiachen. Chinese troops are still making a *Units from the Kwangtsi; sector:: gallant stand in the southern par meanwhile, pushing uthward of the city wh the Japanese Severe fighting is raging

southwest of Kmangtsi-

Chinese are making a r attempt to halt thè nilvanes of

Japanese column: and prevent

the northern, part

Shihlitung

serious injury.

Central and No. 201 Hennessy Trame-Sergeant Bethell has been Road, yesterdi making investigations since · early this morning.

this He told the “China Mail" morning: “I have no idea how the car could have got into such a posi tion e shan't know until we have he man ins

Chinese reinforce ents are lock Mabwalling sectors.

20th Century?

from establishing contact with the ed with a Japanese column pushing

the Julchang sector

Japanese moving westward from from Kwangtai with the intention Chinese line was broken, but Wusuels

Rod Shed of joining the troops at Wusush, counter-attack the Chinese recover,

bombs, are said Strong Chinese reinforcements Libsiawan and Taochingmiao have ed the ground lost. have been rushed up to Tienchiachen; been re-occupied by the Chinese but Poison gas where to all appearance a decisive Shalaoho, another point there, has have been dropped by Japanese planes on Chinese positions at Wu. battle will be fought before the Ju- fallen into Japanese, hands. panese can move further upriver. After days of sanguinary Aght- chian

ing, a lull has set in the Singtze and Central News.

and Tahoshang→ Central

COMING SOON

TO THE

KING'S