Directory_and_Chronicle_1939 — Page 721

Directories & Chronicles 香港指南 All

WUHU

339

Reference to the opening of the Hwainan Railway, running north from Yukikow, 10 miles down river from Wuhu, was made in last year's report. The output and export of coal by this line continued, and increased to approximately, 4,000 tons daily, until November, when the line and port were bombed by Japanese planes. Discussions relative to the establishment of a Customs sub-office at the port of Yukikow were continued, but no decision was reached. Meanwhile the existing procedure governing the control of cargo works satisfactorily. Construction of other railways in the province was naturally delayed by hostilities.

The Wuhu suffered with many other towns from air attacks and military opera- tions is common knowledge, though prior to December the only damage was in the vicinity of the air-field, about 4 miles out of the city. Four separate attacks were delivered here by Japanese planes during September and October, though in each case action was confined to the air-field, and in spite of repeated air-raids on neigh- bouring cities Wuhu suffered nothing more than apprehension and continual air raid alarms until the 5th December. On the day Japanese planes flew over and dropped bombs on ground adjacent to the river and in the water, with disastrous effects, British shipping and British hulks being the principal sufferers. On the 6th and 7th, however, all sections of the city, the railway stations, and waterfront were subjected to heavy bombing, and the subsequent fires which broke out continued to burn for weeks afterwards. On the 10th December Japanese troops entered Wuhu from the south, since when they have remained in occupation. Trade had already been handicapped from middle of August, when the river was closed by the boom of sunken ships near Kiangyin, but, due to the enterprise of foreign shipping companies, connexion between Hankow and Shanghai was maintained so far as circumstances permitted, and some cargo was enable to move along the river. In November, how- ever, local commerce was suffering considerably by reason of the commandeering of junks and cargo-boats for military purposes, and by the end of that month it was apparent that a complete shut down must soon occur. The near approach of Japanese troops by the 4th December led to the enforced closure of the Custom House on that day, the staff fortunately being able to leave for various destinations without loss of life on the 5th December.

Directory_and_Chronicle_1939 — Page 721

Comments

Private Research Note