THE SITUATION IN CHINA
I. ADVANCE OF THE IMPERIAL ARMY
PRESS SECTION, WAR DEPARTMENT
ON the Shantung front, the Japanese forces succeeded in crossing the Yellow River and controlling the whole province of Shangtung except a small portion lying to the south. On the Honan and Shansi fronts, however, the Japanese troops had been awaiting an opportunity for some time to resume their drive, refraining from vigorous military operations. On February 11th, Empire Day, the Japanese forces launched a general offensive along the Peking-Hankow, the Tatung-Puchow and the Peking-Suiyuan Railways. Their fierce onslaughts resulted in driving more than 40 enemy divisions to the right bank of the Yellow River.
The Peking-Hankow Railway Front
The Japanese troops along the Peking-Hankow Railway had been taking a deserved rest for some time, but early in February they resumed operations in the area east of the railway. The Sakanishi detachment started from its base on the morning of February 7th. After defeating some 130 Chinese troops which had taken up positions in the suburbs of Nanlo at the southern extremity of Hopei Province, this unit stormed the walled city and occupied it at 5:10 o'clock that afternoon, after routing about 500 Chinese soldiers.
At 8 a.m., February 8th, the detachment drove further south and occupied Tsingfeng, after defeating 700 Chinese. The detachment continued its southern push and took Puyang on February 9th, after dispersing about 1,000 Chinese soldiers. At noon, February 11th, the detachment reached Liangmen. It succeeded in taking Changyuan at 11 a.m., February 13th.
The same detachment left Changyuan on the morning of February 15th and entered Fengkiu without meeting any resistance. The Chinese troops fled from Fengkiu toward evening. Hotly pursuing the enemy, the Sakanishi detachment took Yangwu, west of Fengkiu, the following evening. The unit then started a drive on Sinsiang to outflank the enemy.
[Map: Map showing the Japanese military campaigns in Suiyüan, Shansi, Hopei, Shensi and Honan Provinces after February 11, 1938]
The main body of the Japanese forces along the Peking-Hankow Railway, which had been standing by at Changteh in northern Honan Province started operations on February 10th and occupied Fengchiachiao, 12 kilometres southwest of Changteh, and Niangniangmiao, 4 kilometres southwest of Changteh, where they were deployed on the anniversary of the founding of the Japanese nation.
At dawn, February 11th, they started a general offensive on the enemy at Tangyin. Both Japanese artillery and air forces took part in the attack. The Japanese military air force flew in formation over the enemy positions and showered bombs while heavy artillery fire was concentrated on the enemy positions.
The Morita, Ishiguro and Toyama detachments led by tanks then started an advance on the enemy positions. Toward evening, the Japanese force on the right flank advanced from Fengchiachiao and reached Polo, about 10 kilometres south of Tangyin, while the right wing reached Erhshihlipu after reducing Weichiaying, 6 kilometres south of Changteh and the left wing reached the line connecting Kwanchuan (about 6 kilometres southeast of Tangyin), Szetaisze and Szetai.
The Toriya unit of the Japanese military air force on February 10th succeeded in blowing up part of the iron bridge on the Yellow River. On February 11th, the unit again penetrated far into the enemy positions and, defying enemy fire, blew up the iron bridge.
On February 12th, the Japanese forces kept up attacks on Tangyin. The troops on the right flank dislodged the enemy from a height south of Loyin (about 8 kilometres southwest of Ikowchen) and continued their southern drive. The right wing at 10 a.m. succeeded in reducing Tangyin and pursued the enemy toward Ikowchen, while the left wing at midnight, February 11th, cut off the southern retreat of the enemy at Lichu (8 kilometres south of Tangyin) and inflicted heavy losses on the Chinese. The left wing of the Japanese force continued its southward drive and reached the line connecting Hsiachuan (8 kilometres southwest of Ikowchen) with Sinchuan toward the evening of February 12th. The enemy apparently consisted of the 130th and 116th infantry divisions and the 9th cavalry division of the Chinese army under General Wan Fu-lin. The enemy left about 1,000 dead in the engagement on February 11th.
On February 13th, the Japanese forces gave close chase to the retreating Chinese troops. The Imada tank unit reached Chihsien at 11 a.m. and entered the walled town from the north gate, followed by infantry units. Toward evening, these detachments reached the line connecting Huangshantsun (about 16 kilometres southwest of
Chihsien), Hsiaochuang (about 8 kilometres south of Chihsien) and Sisan (about 8 kilometres southeast of Chihsien). The Toyama detachment which had been pursuing the enemy in the western mountainous region overtook about 6,000 Chinese soldiers near Tahutung (about 12 kilometres northwest of Chihsien) and dealt them a crushing blow.
The vanguard of the main body of the Japanese forces subsequently reached the line connecting Yinmahutung (16 kilometres north of Weihwei), Kanchuang and Takwanchuang. The Japanese launched a general onslaught on the enemy positions from Weihwei to Sinsiang on the morning of February 15th.
Toward evening, the following day, the main body of the Japanese forces occupied Weihsien, while the centre and left wings reached Howlikuo and Tungchangmen respectively. During the day the enemy suffered several thousands of casualties.
The Chinese troops were in full retreat. Several enemy columns were retreating west and southwest in the Shiuwu, Wuchih and Howkia areas, while in the Sinsiang district no Chinese soldier was to be seen. On February 16th, the Japanese forces started pursuit of the fleeing enemy along the entire front.
On February 17th, the Japanese left wing occupied Sinsiang without meeting stiff resistance. The Sakanishi detachment reached Hsiaokichen on the Peking-Hankow Railway at about noon.
The Japanese forces also started a drive on Hwaiking in two columns from Hweihsien on the afternoon of February 17th. The right column advanced on Hwaiking by way of Hweihsien, Shiuwu and Tsiaotsochen, while the left column also left Hweihsien for Hwaiking via Howkia and Shiuwu.
The pursuit was continued on February 18th. Toward evening on that day, the right column reached Wutsun (about 12 kilometres northeast of Shiuwu), while the left column started an attack on some 500 Chinese artillerymen which had taken up positions east of Shiuwu. The following day, both columns broke through the enemy positions. At about 4 p.m., the right column dislodged the enemy from Machieh (north of Taiwangchen), while the left column took Ningkuo. On February 20th, the right column occupied Poai, and the left column took a district east of Hwaiking.
On February 21st, the right column reached Shihpuli (8 kilometres west of Hwaiking), while the left column reduced Hwaiking and advanced further south. With the spectacular advance of the Japanese forces in northern Honan Province, peace maintenance commissions have been voluntarily formed by leading citizens at important towns, including Changyuan, Weihwei and Sinsiang.
The right column of the Japanese troops kept up its southern drive, by defeating the opposing enemy forces, and at 4 p.m., February 22nd, occupied Tsiyuan, while the left column at 11 o'clock the same morning reduced Menghsien. Later, the Japanese forces prepared for an attack on southern Shansi Province.
The Ishiguro detachment, on the evening of February 24th, successfully stormed the Chinese position near Takowtsun (about 24 kilometres north of Hwaiking). The Morita and Toyama detachments left Tsiyuan on February 25th for Wangwuchen (about 30 kilometres west of Tsiyuan).
On February 26th, the Ishiguro detachment entered Tsehchow, after defeating the enemy at Taping (3 kilometres north of Takowtsun) and Tientsingkwan. The following day, the detachment resumed its drive and entered Choutsun. On February 28th, this unit dislodged Chinese troops from the right bank of the Tsin River. On March 1st, the detachment advanced further and drove away the enemy from the area northwest of Yangcheng.
The Morita and Toyama detachments which pursued the enemy toward the west liquidated about 2,000 Chinese soldiers west of Wangwuchen on February 26th. Two days later, they reduced Hangku, and on March 1st reached Chiaosiehtsun (about 8 kilometres northwest of Yuanku).
The Japanese forces which had been standing by near Hantan on the Peking-Hankow Railway started operations on February 11th to purge the mountainous region west of the railway. The Japanese right wing left Hantan on February 11th for Wuan. The following day, at 3 p.m., this detachment drove west, passing through Tsungyi (about 8 kilometres west of Wuan).
The Kudo detachment met about 8,000 Chinese at Wuan at about 11 a.m., February 11th, and dealt them a crushing blow.
On February 14th, the right column reached Howchai and subsequently advanced on a district north of Shehsien. After defeating the enemy east of Shehsien, the detachment reached Honantien (2 kilometres southwest of Shehsien).
On February 15th, the Kudo detachment encountered and defeated the Chinese 130th infantry division and the 4th cavalry division east of Shehsien. Toward evening the detachment reached a district west of Shehsien. The Japanese right wing also reached a point north of Shehsien, after dealing successfully with the enemy on the way. On February 16th, the Japanese started a drive on Tungyangkwan on the southwestern border of Shansi Province. On February 17th, the vanguard and right wing of the Japanese troops dislodged the enemy from Tungyangkwan by surrounding them.
Pursuing the retreating Chinese, they penetrated southern Shansi Province and took Licheng toward evening, the same day. The enemy then fled toward Luan.
The Chinese left about 100 dead in the engagement at Tungyangkwan, while the Japanese losses totalled only 5 killed and 88 wounded. The Japanese captured about 1,000 hand grenades, several thousand rounds of ammunition and a large number of trench-mortar shells, and also took over 50 Chinese soldiers prisoner. On February 18th, the Japanese started a drive on Lucheng, after dislodging the Chinese troops from the right bank of the Chang River.
On February 19th, they drove away the enemy from Lucheng and kept up their westward drive. About midnight, the same day, they successfully stormed Luan from which the enemy fled, leaving about 500 dead.
The Japanese vanguard, on the morning of February 20th, succeeded in clearing Luan of the remnants of the Chinese troops and immediately prepared for a continued southern drive.
On February 21st, the right column took Tunliu (30 kilometres northwest of Luan). On February 24th, it advanced northeast and reduced Siānyuan.
The Shansi Front
The Japanese forces which had been standing by south of Taiyuan, capital of Shansi Province, resumed their southern push on February 11th, Empire Day, in cooperation with the troops along the Peking-Hankow Railway which also became active about that time. The Japanese vanguard on February 13th reduced Pingyao, from which the enemy fled, leaving about 1,500 dead. On the afternoon of February 16th, this force entered Chiehhsiu.
The right column of the Japanese troops together with a cavalry force advanced on a district northeast of Siaoyi on the morning of February 16th and took it. In the engagement at Siaoyi, the Japanese routed about 1,500 soldiers of the Chinese 71st infantry division and about 300 of the Chinese cavalry. The Japanese casualty list included only 1 killed and 3 wounded, while the enemy left about 550 dead. The Japanese capture included about 100 rifles and a large quantity of ammunition.
On the morning of February 17th, the column resumed its advance and at 1 o'clock that afternoon took Paipikwan (about 8 kilometres northwest of Siaoyi). Toward evening, the column encountered about 600 Chinese soldiers at a point 16 kilometres north
of Siaoyi and dealt them a crushing blow. The southern drive was maintained the following day. And on February 19th, the Japanese right column made a drive on Shihkowchen and Chuangchihchen.
The Imperial vanguard which reached Chiehhsiu sent a detachment to Tsingshengchen on February 18th. This detachment, after dispersing some 500 Chinese soldiers there, reconnoitred enemy positions at Lingshih preparatory to attacking them.
Part of the Japanese right column encountered about 1,300 Chinese soldiers on February 20th and defeated them. Toward evening, the Japanese faced the enemy positions northeast of Shikowchen where about 3,000 of the enemy were entrenched.
The main body of the right column, after defeating the enemy near Chuangchichen, reached a district east of Shihkowchen toward evening, February 20th. The following day, it dislodged about 4,000 Chinese from their positions east of Chuankowchen and entered Shihkowchen at 8 p.m., by defeating about 2,000 Chinese troops which had been retreating. On the Japanese side 15 were killed and 46 wounded, while the enemy left about 1,000 dead.
On February 23rd, the main body of the Japanese forces launched an attack on the enemy positions near Lingshih, while the Japanese left wing reached the northern side of Hwoshihtsun (12 kilometres southeast of Lingshih), by breaking through the enemy line of skirmish. The centre of the column advanced to Suitaochen (about 1 kilometre north of Lingshih), while the right wing was preparing to attack the enemy position at a point 16 kilometres southeast of Chuangchichen which formed the left wing of the enemy forces.
The Japanese right column on the morning of February 23rd pushed southwest from Shikowchen and attacked the enemy near Hsialitsun in the afternoon. The Chinese troops, strongly reinforced, attempted a counter-attack, but were repulsed with heavy losses by the Japanese forces.
On February 24th, the Japanese forces battered the enemy position north of Sihsien, which they reduced two days later.
The right wing of the main Japanese forces, at about noon, February 24th, reached Wangyu (some 12 kilometres northwest of Fensi); the centre advanced to Suitaochen and its eastern district and the left wing reached a district north of Hwokowtsun. The enemy offered stiff resistance. At dawn on February 24th, one enemy division counter-attacked the right flank of the Japanese right wing. Taking advantage of this manœuvre, the Japanese right wing greeted the enemy with a fierce counter-offensive and repelled them with heavy losses. The situation before the Japanese main body steadily developed in favour of the Imperial forces who outflanked
the enemy left wing by cutting off their retreat on February 25th. The Japanese entered Jenyichen on the afternoon of February 25th. The enemy facing the Japanese main body apparently was composed of the Chinese 11th division.
On February 26th, the Japanese main body made a drive on Hwohsien, after defeating the enemy who had been offering stubborn resistance in the district south of Jenyichen. The Japanese forces along the whole front gave hot chase to the retreating enemy on February 27th. The following day, the right column took Wucheng, while the right wing together with a cavalry force advanced to a district southwest of Linfen.
Japanese troops which had been purging the Tahsing mountain range now turned their attention to Linfen. On February 22nd, one unit started an advance on Linfen along the highway from Luan to Linfen via Fucheng, which stands 60 kilometres west of Luan. The same afternoon, the detachment reached Paotien (8 kilometres southwest of Tunliu) and on the following day, advanced to Pienchai (about 30 kilometres west of Paotien). After routing the enemy near Poti (some 8 kilometres west of Fucheng), the detachment reduced Tsingpoyen (25 kilometres west of Fucheng) on February 26th. The following afternoon, this unit succeeded in occupying Linfen on the Tatung-Puchow Railway, about 200 kilometres southwest of Taiyuan.
Meanwhile the vanguard of the Japanese forces which had been pushing southwest from Taiyuan took Wenshui on the evening of February 15th. The following evening, it advanced to a district northeast of Fenyang. The enemy left about 500 dead in the engagement near Wenshui.
The Sasaki detachment at 5 p.m., February 16th occupied Tungshechen, a mountainous district north of Wenshui, after defeating some 700 Chinese soldiers. The enemy left about 100 dead.
The Japanese vanguard started an attack on Fenyang early on the morning of February 17th and reduced it at noon.
On February 23rd, the Sasaki detachment started a drive on Shangmachai (12 kilometres north of Wuchengchen); the Nagasawa detachment advanced on Wuchengchen and Japanese cavalry and other units advanced on Chungyang. They started concerted attacks on Lishih and Chungyang on February 24th and reduced them the same evening. On February 27th, they pushed further west and succeeded in taking Tsikowchen and Chuntu, two important border towns, thus driving the Chinese troops into Shensi Province across the Yellow River which forms the border between Shansi and Shensi Provinces.
The Senda and Iwada detachments which started a clean-up campaign against the remnants of the Chinese troops in northwestern Shansi Province left Shohhsien on February 23rd for Shenchih and Ningwu, defeating Chinese troops on the way. The Kunomura detachment left Tsingpingchen (25 kilometres northwest of Shohhsien) on February 24th for Laoyingpu.
The Senda detachment occupied Shenshih on the evening of February 24th, while the Iwata detachment took Tienerhshang (about 30 kilometres west of Ningwu) and the Kunomura detachment reduced Naihopu. Another Japanese detachment took Tsingshuiho on the evening of February 23rd.
On February 26th, the Kunomura detachment occupied Laoyingpu, while the Senda and Iwata detachments took Sanchapu. On February 28th, the latter reduced Pienkwan and Paoteh on the Yellow River. The Senda detachment overcame about 1,000 Chinese soldiers which attempted to flee into Shensi Province, by crossing the Yellow River at dawn on March 2nd.
The Peking-Suiyuan Railway Front
Some 2,000 Chinese troops which had taken up positions in the neighbourhood of Anpei, northwest of Paotow, the western terminus of the Peking-Suiyuan Railway on February 9th attacked the Mongol troops at Shachikow, northwest of Paotow, but were repelled by the Mongols with heavy losses.
About 1,000 of the Chinese troops under General Ma Chan-shan which had established positions on the southern bank of the Yellow River in an attempt to recover Suiyuan Province crossed that river on February 9th and attacked Salatsi, half-way between Paotow and Suiyuan, but were repulsed by the combined forces of the Japanese garrison and Mongol troops.
The Chinese Communist troops which had been infesting the Hunyuan district southeast of Tatung staged attacks repeatedly on Hunyuan and Lingkiu in cooperation with the Chinese force near Lingkiu on February 10th, but were repelled by the Japanese troops. Their numerical strength is fast dwindling as a result of the successful Japanese expedition.
The Tientsin-Pukow Railway Front
Repair work on the Shantung Railway which had been in progress since last December has been completed. The section between Tsochan and Chuliutien which was severely molested by the Chinese troops was successfully repaired by the Kimura engineering detachment
on February 10th. Service on the Shantung Railway, 393 kilometres in length, between Tsinan and Tsingtao was re-opened on February 11th.
At 8 a.m., February 11th, a 16-car train left Tsinan for Tsingtao, while another train left Tsingtao for Tsinan about the same time. The management of the Shantung Railway is entrusted to the South Manchuria Railway Company, as a temporary measure. Three services daily are now maintained on this line.
Meanwhile, construction of a temporary bridge on the Yellow River was completed by the Kimura engineering detachment on February 9th. With befitting ceremonies the bridge was dedicated on February 11th. At 11:14 o'clock, the same morning, a train left the northern bank of the Yellow River and arrived at Tsinan at noon, after crossing the temporary bridge.
A temporary bridge over the Tawen River on the Tientsin-Pukow Railway was also completed on February 9th. The bridge was dedicated on February 11th, when a train which left Tsinan at 8:40 a.m. duly arrived at Tsining.
Thus both the Tientsin-Pukow and Shantung Railways which were seriously damaged by the Chinese troops were repaired and re-opened to traffic, reviving this important artery of communication to normal functioning.
Part of the Yamada detachment which left Tsingtao by several large motor-boats at 5:30 a.m., February 12th, for Hwangtao (Yellow Island) west of Tsingtao landed on the island and seized a large quantity of arms and ammunition concealed in Yentanchuang and other villages.
On the afternoon of February 15th, about 300 of the enemy launched a counter-attack on Szechui northeast of Kufu, the birth place of the great Chinese Saint Confucius, but were easily repelled by the Japanese garrison.
A Chinese regiment belonging to the 125th division of the Szechuan Army counter-attacked the Japanese position at Yuhsiatien south of Tsohsien on the afternoon of February 14th, but was repulsed. The enemy fled southward.
A large Chinese force, some three divisions strong, surrounded Tsining on February 14th, but was driven back by the Japanese garrison after severe fighting.
At 4:30 o'clock, February 13th, another large Chinese force attacked the Japanese position at Wenshang, 40 kilometres north of Tsining, but was repulsed by the Numada and Fukuei detachments with heavy punishment. The fighting lasted till the next dawn.
On the same day "Red Spear" bandits attacked Changtsing, but were driven back by the Akashiba detachment.
The Nagano detachment, after successfully purging the districts northwest of Tsining, started an attack on the enemy on the eastern bank of the Grand Canal near Tachangkow on the morning of February 18th. This unit inflicted a crushing blow to the 22nd division of the Shantung Army by February 18th. The main body of the detachment then entered Tsining.
A powerful Chinese force approached the southeastern salient of Tsining at midnight, February 17th, when severe fighting ensued. The Numada detachment, after driving back the enemy, began pursuit of the retreating enemy in a southwestern direction at 11 a.m., February 19th. Toward evening, the detachment occupied Anchuchen, after defeating about 300 Chinese soldiers armed with trench-mortars. The left column of the Japanese force took Sichengchiao, by defeating about 500 Chinese troops likewise armed with trench-mortars. The following day, pursuit was continued and the Japanese dislodged the enemy from Hsiaoliu west of Anchuchen on February 22nd.
Part of the Nakaye detachment which had been standing by near Tsohsien occupied Hsiakanpi, by dispersing about 2,000 Chinese soldiers south of Sihsiatien during the afternoon and night of February 17th.
The Chinese troops belonged to the 125th division. Another part of the Japanese detachment, on February 19th, cleared Shichiang, South-west of Tsohsien, of the remnants of Chinese troops.
The Kuwada detachment also succeeded in dislodging some 2,000 Chinese soldiers which belonged to the 39th division from Hsiaoliu east of Szechui.
The Japanese forces which had succeeded in purging the Shantung Railway of the remnants of the Chinese army then started a drive southward.
The Okamoto detachment started a southward drive from Chiangku, while the Katano detachment occupied Chuhsien, a key town in southeastern Shantung Province on February 22nd. Together they launched a converging movement on Ichow.
The Japanese forces operating in Anhwei Province were standing by after occupying Pengpu and Hwaiyuan, important towns in the southern sector of the Tientsin-Pukow Railway. They resumed operations on February 11th and crossed the Hwai River. All key points on the northern bank of the river are now in Japanese hands. Japanese forces now control that river which forms an important waterway between the Yellow River and the Yangtze.
Simultaneously, the Japanese troops which were pushing south along the northern section of the Tientsin-Pukow Railway succeeded in reducing Kiasiang, a strategically important town west of Tsining.
Activities of the Japanese Military Air Force
In cooperation with the swift Japanese military operations which have taken place along the Peking-Hankow Railway since the resumption of the offensive by the Japanese forces in Shansi, Honan and Shantung Provinces, the Japanese Military Air Force has been active, attacking the Chinese military establishments and troop concentrations in Shansi Province and also along the Yellow River.
At 3 p.m., February 18th, Chinese troops were routed from the line between Sinsiang and Howkia in Honan Province. They were overtaken by the Sonoda unit of the Japanese Military Air Force on the highway from Siuwu to Hwaiking via Wuchih and subjected to a severe attack. The enemy suffered heavy losses. Several hundred Chinese troops which attempted to cross the Yellow River to Szeshui on the southern bank were also bombed and subjected to machine-gun fire from Japanese military planes.
The Akita unit of the Japanese Military Air Force at 10:40 a.m., February 18th, met 8 Chinese heavy bombers flying northward over Sinsiang and gave chase to them, which, however, succeeded in escaping, over Tzehsien. The Akita unit consisted of three planes. The same day a military air unit dropped bombs on the railway bridge on the Yellow River, of which 4 took effect.
The Toriya, Shimada and Sonoda air units during February 19th attacked Chinese troop concentrations fleeing into the mountainous region of Shansi Province from the Peking-Hankow Railway zone before the fierce onslaught of the Japanese ground forces.
That morning, the Toriya and Shimada units visited Yushe (40 kilometres southeast of Pingyao), Liaohsien (32 kilometres east of Yushe), Shenhsien (about 40 kilometres southwest of Yushe), Shenyuan (28 kilometres southwest of Shenhsien) and Changtze (about 24 kilometres west of Luan) and bombed the Chinese military establishments and troop concentrations there. In the afternon, they bombed a large Chinese troop concentration at Tunliu.
On the afternoon of February 19th, several planes of the Sonoda unit attacked about 600 Chinese troops which attempted to escape to Szeshui on the southern bank of the Yellow River.
Several planes of the Shimada unit resumed their attacks on Shenyusu and Yushe at 11:30 a.m., February 20th. Two divisions of Chinese troops which were concentrated at Yushe on that day
were almost wiped out. The Chinese Communist troops had been establishing bases of operations at Shenyuan and Yushe.
At 9:40 a.m., February 20th, when a Japanese Military Air Force was attacking the mountainous region in Shansi Province, a machine piloted by Lieutenant Kiyoshi Komine had its propeller pierced by an enemy bullet. The machine with the lieutenant and his two men crashed into the enemy position. All were killed.
On February 20th, the Toriya unit attacked a large Chinese troop concentration at Kaoping in Shansi Province inflicting heavy losses.
On the afternoon of February 21st, the Sonoda air unit visited Szeshui and Kunghsien on the Lunghai Railway and bombed railway stations and military establishments. About 120 cars loaded with munitions were destroyed. The Shimaya unit visited Yangcheng in southern Shansi Province and Tuantzechen (north of Yangcheng) and attacked a large concentration of Chinese troops, inflicting heavy damage. On the same day, the Yamase unit visited Yushe and bombed the enemy positions there, while another Japanese military air unit raided Sihsien.
At 1:40 p.m., February 23rd, a military air unit visited Chungyang and Lishih in western Shansi Province and attacked the enemy positions there successfully.
Activities of the Japanese Military Air Force have not been spectacular, but its cooperation with the ground forces has been of decisive merit.
II. FORCES OF THE IMPERIAL NAVY IN ACTION
PUBLICITY BUREAU, NAVY DEPARTMENT
The Naval Air Force in China
CONTINUED operation of the Canton-Hankow Railway now remains as the only hope for the Chiang Kai-shek administration which is obsessed with the idea of long-term hostilities against Japan. Under these circumstances, it is only natural that the Japanese Naval Air Force should pay particular attention to the Canton-Hankow Railway which it is attacking almost daily. The following is an outline of the activities of the Japanese Naval Air Force from February 8th to February 27th.
The South China Front
The Japanese Naval Air Force concentrated its activities on the key points along the Canton-Hankow Railway with Canton in the centre.
Niuwan, Kungyifow, Taishan and other important points on the Sunning Railway were attacked by Japanese naval air units, which also bombed Wangkianghu, Samshui, Sinenchen and other important points on the Canton-Samshui Railway.
Tungkun, Kumha, Fuyung, Changping, Tangmei, Pitsun, Sintang, Sheklung, Wangsha, Shekku, Tangtao, Shahu, Lungtao, Yangniu, Changmutao, Paishi, Tutang, Lintsun, Tsitsun and Tientangwei on the Canton-Kowloon Railway also received the attention of the Japanese naval planes which bombed them from time to time.
The Japanese Naval Air Force almost daily visited Sanhuatien, Yingtak, Wushek, Sinkai, Yinchanyao, Shakow, Litung, Yangtsunhu, Kongtsun, Siuchow, Chuntien, Hotow, Lienkonghow, Lungtan, Pakonghow, Shektsing and other important points on the Canton-Hankow Railway and attacked Chinese military establishments, including railway bridges and military barracks. It also repeatedly bombed the airfields at Tienho and Pakwan near Canton as well as the Bocca Tigris and Chuanpi Forts.
The airfields at Amoy, Changchow and Nanyang in Fukien Province were attacked by Japanese air units on February 24th. The Japanese raiders destroyed 4 hangars and 4 aeroplanes on the ground
at Nanyung in addition to 8 Chinese planes which they succeeded in bringing down in an air duel.
On February 25th, several Japanese naval planes visited Kienow in Fukien Province and Wuchow in Kwangsi Province and effectively bombed the airfields there.
On February 26th, the Japanese Naval Air Force visited Lungyen in Fukien Province and bombed the airfield, destroying three hangars. On February 26th and 27th, it raided Nancheng in Kiangsi Province and bombed the local airfield, destroying three hangars and one aeroplane on the ground.
The Central China Front
The Japanese Naval Air Force devoted its attention to those towns in Central China where governmental offices of the Chiang Kai-shek Administration are now established.
Ichang, an important town in Hupei Province was raided by Japanese naval planes on February 8th, 17th and 21st. Two hangars, several depots and military barracks were destroyed in addition to 14 aeroplanes which were bombed and burned.
Hankow was also raided on February 8th and 18th. Two blocks of buildings were destroyed at the Hanyang Arsenal, while 6 aeroplanes were destroyed at the airfield which was severely damaged by Japanese bombs. In ensuing air duels, the Japanese raiders shot down 19 Chinese planes.
On February 9th, the Japanese Naval Air Force visited Siangyang in Hupei Province and brought down 5 Chinese planes besides another 2 which were destroyed on the ground.
The same day, Changsha was raided for the first time with the result that a hangar and 2 planes on the ground were destroyed. On February 17th, the Japanese Naval Air Force revisited Changsha and destroyed 2 more planes on the ground.
On February 18th, the Japanese Naval Air Force visited Chungking in Szechuan Province and effectively bombed the airfield and military barracks there.
Prompted by the desire to reorganize its shattered air force, the Hankow Government has been constructing new airfields at various points; a new airfield was established at Nanchang.
On February 25th, the Japanese Air Force raided Nanchang and shot down no less than 39 Chinese planes which challenged the Japanese raiders. Additionally, 5 hangars, 1 factory and 2 military barracks were destroyed.
On February 9th, several Japanese naval planes visited Siangyang
in Hupei Province and brought down 5 Chinese planes in addition to 2 which were destroyed on the ground.
The Japanese Naval Air Force visited Lishui in Chekiang Province on February 8th, 24th, and 25th and bombed the airfield there, destroying hangars and military barracks in addition to one aeroplane on the ground.
Kian in Kiangsi Province was also raided on February 21st and 23rd, with the result that 8 planes on the ground were destroyed, while Chuchow in Chekiang Province was raided on February 24th, 25th and 26th severely damaging its airfield. One plane on the ground was bombed and destroyed.
The Japanese Naval Air Force also visited Nanyang in Kwangsi Province, Changshuchen, Yushan and Wenchow in Kiangsi Province during February and successfully bombed the airfields there.
Likewise during the month of January did the Japanese Naval Air Force conduct numerous expeditionary flights in South and Central China. The following gives details concerning these flights during the period between January 3rd and February 6th.
January 3rd The North China front: Japanese naval planes reconnoitred Hsuchow, the junction of the Lunghai and Tientsin-Pukow Railways and bombed the Chinese military establishments at Hsuchow and several points on the Lunghai Railway.
The South China front: Japanese naval planes attacked the Bocca Tigris Fort and the highway leading to the fort.
January 4th The North China front: Japanese naval planes reconnoitred and attacked the Hsuchow district.
The Central China front: A large Japanese air force flying in formation visited Hankow and shot down 4 Chinese planes in aerial combat. The Japanese raiders bombed and destroyed 14 planes on the ground and damaged three more.
The South China front: Japanese naval planes visited the Canton-Hankow Railway and bombed the tracks near Laitung.
January 5th The North China front: In addition to reconnoitring over Laoshan Bay, Japanese naval planes visited Chucheng and Chuhsien and bombed Chinese troop concentrations and military establishments there.
The South China front: A Japanese naval unit visited the Canton-Hankow Railway and bombed the tracks and a locomotive near Laitung.
January 6th The Central China front: A large Japanese naval force again visited Hankow and Wuchang and attacked the airfields there. The Japanese raiders bombed and destroyed 14 Chinese planes on the ground and two hangars in addition to damaging several more planes. They sighted one Chinese plane between Hankow and Wuchang and gave chase to it. However, taking advantage of the poor visibility then prevailing, it managed to escape.
The South China Front: A Japanese air unit visited Laitung on the Canton-Hankow Railway.
January 7th The Central China front: Japanese planes flying in formation visited Nanchang, capital of Kiangsi Province and brought down 5 out of about 10 Chinese planes in the air. On the way back two Japanese naval planes met over a dozen Chinese combat planes, and in the ensuing air duel shot down 3 of them, but one of the two Japanese planes was lost. The Japanese unit bombed and destroyed 10 out of more than 20 Chinese planes on the ground and damaged several more. One hangar was burned.
January 8th The South China front: The Japanese Naval Air Force twice visited Nanning in southwestern Kwangsi Province. In the morning raid, the Japanese effectively bombed the cadet school building and several buildings adjacent to the airfield, of which four were burned and two more destroyed. In the ensuing air combat, the Japanese raiders brought down 2 Chinese challengers. In the afternoon raid, the Japanese burned two buildings, destroyed two others and shot down 4 Chinese planes.
A Japanese naval air unit also visited Laitung on the Canton-Hankow Railway and bombed the tracks and a troop train there.
January 9th The Central China front: Several Japanese naval planes raided Nanchang, capital of Kiangsi Province, shooting down one Chinese plane and bombing 3 on the ground. The Japanese raiders also attacked and damaged three hangars and the aeronautical school building.
The South China front: Several Japanese naval planes visited Nanning in southwestern Kwangsi Province in the afternoon, bombed 3 Chinese planes on the ground and destroyed one hangar in addition to damaging several other buildings as well as the airfield.
A Japanese naval air unit visited Laitung on the Canton-Hankow Railway and attacked a freight train near there.
Another naval air unit visited Bocca Tigris and attacked Chinese lines of communication.
January 10th The North China front: The naval air force participated in the reduction of Tsingtao and attacked the remnants of the Chinese troops at Chucheng and Liangchengchu as well as along the Shantung Railway and in the suburbs of Tsingtao, including Litsunliuting and Tsimo.
The Central China front: Several Japanese naval planes visited Yushan, Chuchow, and Nancheng and attacked the Chinese airfields there.
The South China front: A Japanese naval air unit raided Chuntien and Lienkonghow and attacked the Chinese line of communication there.
January 11th The North China front: Japanese naval air units visited Haichow, eastern terminus of the Lunghai Railway, and bombed an engine-shed and an army depot there. They also attacked Chinese troop concentrations between Kiaochow and Chucheng as well as between Chucheng and Kaomi.
The Central China front: A Japanese air force visited Hankow and bombed 6 Chinese planes on the ground. The raiders also damaged 5 other planes on the ground and destroyed a hangar. Not a single Chinese plane challenged the Japanese fliers. On the way back, the raiders sighted 3 Chinese planes near Wuhu and shot down one of them after a hard chase.
The South China front: Several Japanese naval planes visited the Canton-Hankow Railway and bombed military establishments along the line.
Janiary [sic] 12th The North China front: A Japanese naval air unit visited Shantung Province and attacked Chinese troop concentrations between Jihchao and Chuhsien as well as between Linyi and Hankow.
The Central China front: A Japanese naval air force visited Nanchang, capital of Kiangsi Province, in formation and bombed and destroyed four main buildings of the aeronautical school there together with five hangars and three annexes. The Japanese raiders, not challenged by any Chinese planes, bombed several machines on the ground.
The South China front: Several Japanese naval planes visited Yintak in Kwangtung Province and attacked the Chinese line of communication south of it. The also bombed the railway tracks near Chuntien.
January 13th The South China front: Japanese naval air units visited Chuntien, Shakow and Yintak and attacked freight trains and locomotives and destroyed railway tracks between Shakow and Yintak.
January 14th The South China front: The Japanese Naval Air Force resumed activities over Kwangtung Province, devoting particular attention to the Canton-Hankow Railway. The Japanese raiders bombed freight cars and locomotives between Chuntien and Kongtsun, cars between Yinchanyao and Sinkai and railway bridges and tracks between Shiuchow and Shakow.
January 15th The North China front: A Japanese naval air unit reconnoitered the area between Tsimo and Kaomi, but failed to sight Chinese soldiers.
The Central China front: The Japanese Naval Air Force again visited Nanchang and bombed the airfield there, which together with its aeronautical school was completely wrecked by the repeated Japanese air attacks. The Japanese raiders also visited Siaokan and bombed the railway station north of it.
The South China front: Several Japanese air units visited the Canton-Hankow Railway and bombed freight trains between Chuntien and Kongtsun, one at Wongsha and freight trains between Kongtsun and Pakonghow.
January 16th The South China front: Several Japanese naval planes visited Yuantan and Yinchanyao on the Canton-Hankow Railway and bombed Chinese military establishments.
January 17th The South China front: A Japanese naval air unit visited Kowtan on the Canton-Hankow Railway, bombing the Chinese military lines of communication near there.
January 18th The South China front: Braving foul weather, the Japanese Naval Air Force visited various important points along the Canton-Hankow Railway including Kowtan, Sinkai and Sanhuatien and bombed locomotives and freight cars.
January 19th The North China front: A Japanese naval air unit visited Haichow and bombed the Chinese military barracks there as well as the railway bridge west of Haichow.
The South China front: Several Japanese naval planes raided various important points along the Canton-Hankow Railway including Sinkai, Chuntien, Kowtan and Kumha, bombing troops trains and freight cars. A highway and bridges near Kumha were likewise bombed.
January 20th The North China front: Japanese naval planes visited Hsuchow, the junction of the Lunghai and Tientsin-Pukow Railways, and bombed a troop train west of that city.
The South China front: The Japanese naval air force again visited the Canton-Hankow Railway and bombed Chinese military establishments at Chuntien, Kumha, Yangtsun, Yuantan and Yinchanyao along the railway.
January 21st The North China front: A Japanese naval air unit visited Hsuchow and bombed the North Station. The unit also flew over Fangshanchen and bombed a military goods train and several locomotives there.
The South China front: Several Japanese naval planes visited Kongtsun, Chuntong, Yangtsun and Lintsun in Kwangtung Province and bombed Chinese military establishments.
January 22nd The North China front: Japanese naval air units again visited Hsuchow and bombed two blocks of the Chinese military barracks there. They also bombed locomotives between Chuangchiachen and Chengtaochen as well as well as between Haichow and Lienyunchiang. Chinese troop concentrations between Sinanchen and Lichiachu were attacked.
The Central China front: A Japanese naval air unit raided Chuchow in Chekiang Province and bombed the airfield. It also attacked and destroyed Chinese machine-gun emplacements near the airfield which fired on the Japanese raiders.
The South China front: A Japanese naval air unit raided Nongshek and Yingka on the Canton-Hankow Railway and bombed a north-bound freight train and military establishments.
January 23rd The North China front: Several Japanese naval planes visited Hsuchow, Huangkow, Tangshan and Chuangchiachen and bombed engine-sheds, military barracks, freight cars, troop trains, troop concentrations and military motor-lorries.
The South China front: The Japanese Naval Air Force visited Wongshek, Sheklung, Kowtang, Tsomaying, Sinkai, Sanhuatien, Yuantan and Shakow and bombed military establishments.
January 24th The North China front: A Japanese naval air unit visited Haichow.
The Central China front: Japanese planes visited Chuchow in Chekiang Province and Ningpo, bombing the airfields.
A Japanese air force flying in formation raided Ichang and bombed 16 out of about 30 Chinese planes on the ground which were burned, a hangar, a fuel depot and military barracks. One Chinese plane took the air but did not challenge the Japanese raiders.
The South China front: A Japanese naval air unit visited Sinkai, Huangshih, Kowtang and Towshan and bombed military establishments. The Pokwan airfield near Canton was also bombed.
January 25th The South China front: Japanese naval air units visited various places, including Amoy where they bombed the airfield, hangars and the telegraph office; Haiteng, where they bombed 4 ships displaying Chinese naval ensigns, sinking 2 of them and wrecking one; Kongtsun where they bombed freight cars; Tienho where they bombed a large munitions factory; Whampoa where they bombed a depot for torpedo-boats; and Pakonghow where they bombed the military arsenal.
January 26th The Central China front: A squadron of 12 Chinese heavy bombers raided Nanking at about 10:15 o'clock in the morning. In the ensuing air combat, the Japanese naval unit shot down one of them, but the others escaped, pursued by several Japanese planes, which succeeded in bringing down two more enemy planes. All three Chinese planes which were shot down were almost totally destroyed but it is established that they were of Soviet manufacture, while their pilots were Soviet citizens, as proved by their personal effects.
A Japanese naval air unit visited Chuchow in Chekiang Province and bombed the airfield there.
The South China front: The Japanese Naval Air Force visited various points along the Canton-Hankow Railway, including Laitung where it bombed the entrance to a railway tunnel; Wongshek, where it bombed a goods train and Shektsing where it bombed the military arsenal.
January 27th The Central China front: A large Japanese air force flying in formation visited Hankow and bombed over a dozen Chinese planes on the ground, destroying one large and 3 small planes together with a nearby hangar. No Chinese plane challenged the Japanese raiders, which, however, sighted a Chinese heavy bomber fleeing toward the west and brought it down, after chasing it for some time.
The Japanese Naval Air Force also raided Nanchang and engaged over a dozen Chinese combat planes which had taken the air. After a fierce aerial duel, the Japanese raiders shot down 7 Chinese planes. They also bombed and destroyed two hangars and three more Chinese planes on the ground.
A Japanese air unit visited Chuchow and attacked the airfield there.
The South China front: Japanese naval planes visited Laitung, Lienkonghow, Takengkow and Hsiaotungshang on the Canton-Hankow Railway and bombed military establishments.
January 28th The South China front: A Japanese naval air unit visited Yinchanyao, Kowtang, Laitung, Paknai and Pitsun on the Canton-Hankow Railway, bombing military establishments.
January 29th The North China front: A Japanese naval air unit visited Haichow and bombed the airfield and military barracks there.
January 30th The South China front: A Japanese naval air unit visited Canton and Whampoa and bombed various military establishments, including a topedo depot, and a mine depot.
January 31st The South China front: Japanese planes visited Samshui, Kumha and Pitsun and attacked military establishments.
February 1st Weather conditions were bad all over China, but several Japanese naval planes visited Yushan in Central China and bombed the airfield there. They also raided Ningpo, bombing the railway station.
February 2nd The South China front: A Japanese naval air unit visited Amoy and attacked Hulisheh Fort and the Chinese position at Hungtsifeng. It also raided Changpin and bombed enemy lines of communication at that point.
February 3rd The South China front: Several Japanese naval air units raided various points in South China, including Kongtsun where they bombed a highway; Amoy where they bombed military establishments, including Hulisheh Fort and the Chinese position; Sanhuatien on the Canton-Hankow Railway where they bombed a railway bridge; Tsengshing where they bombed a highway and a bridge; Tungkun where they bombed a road and a bridge connecting with Sintang; Yuantan where they bombed a troop train; Wongshek where they bombed a troop train; Shekku and Lilang where they bombed lines of communication.
February 4th The South China front: Several Japanese naval planes visited Bocca Tigris, Lunghua, Ahu, Tsengshing, Samshui and Tehching and bombed lines of communication including bridges. They also raided Swatow, Chaochow, Tsaitan and Chaoshan and bombed railway tracks and bridges. Military establishments at Pitsun, Shentsun, Tasuchen and Tailik were also attacked, as well as the track north of Chuntien on the Canton-Hankow Railway.
February 5th The North China front: A Japanese naval air unit visited Shihkiuso in Shantung Province.
The South China front: Several Japanese naval planes visited Canton, Bocca Tigris and Waichow and bombed highways and bridges. They also raided the Canton-Hankow Railway and bombed the military establishments at Kowtan, Pakkai, Tientang and Sheklung.
February 6th The Central China front: A Japanese naval air unit raided Lishui in Chekiang Province, 120 kilometres southeast of Chuchow, and effectively bombed the airfield there.