THE SITUATION IN CHINA
I. —ADVANCE OF THE IMPERIAL ARMY—
Press Section, War Department
Aftermath of the Battle of Hsuchow
The Hsuchow battle, described elsewhere in this issue of TOKYO GAZETTE on which the Chinese side apparently staked everything as announced by General Li Tsung-jen, the Chinese commander-in-chief, ended in the complete defeat of the Chinese forces.
With the steady tightening of the Japanese steel band around Hsuchow, the Chinese command has been utterly demoralized and disorganized. Remnants of the Chinese troops which have fled from Hsuchow are now facing the alternatives of either starving to death or surrendering. Most of them are scattered over various villages and fields where they are suffering from extreme fatigue and hunger.
The Morozumi, Tashiro, Kurabayashi and Soyeda detachments which reduced Hsuchow drove south in pursuit of the fleeing enemy without taking their deserved rest. These detachments reached the area east of Mintzetsi on May 21st. Tightening the encircling line, these detachments advanced to the line connecting Fulitsi and Yungchangtsi on May 23rd, routing the enemy on the way.
The Japanese units which advanced in the region south of Hsuchow via Watzekow and Hsiaohsien pushed west of the steel "dragnet," reached the area east of Hsiaohsien on May 21st and the area east of Suichikow on May 22nd, cleaning up the remnants of Chinese troops.
The detachment which took Suhsien drove north along the area west of the "net" and dispersed the remnants of Chinese troops near Tsailitsi and Suhsien.
The Northern Force in Southern Shantung
The Japanese northern force which drove south across the Grand Canal from the district west of Taierhchwang reached the area east of Liuchuan on May 19th and entered Hsuchow on May 21st, routing the enemy on the way. Since then this force has been engaged in clearing the Hsuchow area of the remnants of Chinese troops.
Another Japanese northern column which pushed south across the Grand Canal from the area east of Taierhchwang reached the district southwest of Tushanchen on May 19th. This column advanced to the line between Chulan and Kungshantsi on May 21st, dispersing the enemy on the way.
It is now conducting a campaign against the remnants of Chinese troops in the area east of the Japanese encircling line.
Another northern column which crossed Weishan Lake and participated in the reduction of Hsuchow pushed south along the area west of the Japanese steel "dragnet" and reached Yungcheng on May 22nd. It achieved splendid success in dealing with the remnants of Chinese troops. On May 23rd, it dealt a crushing blow to the Yunnanese and other Chinese troops, about seven divisions strong, which were fleeing westward. The enemy suffered heavy losses. The bodies found after the Japanese cavalry charge alone totalled about 400. Arms and ammunition captured by the Japanese reached large figures.
The Northern Force in Western Shantung
The enemy apparently was planning to hold Lanfeng and Kaifeng, falling back on the strong defence works along the line from Lanfeng to Kaoyangtsi via Kihsien, south of Lanfeng.
Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek sent four or five divisions of fresh central troops to Lanfeng from Hankow as reinforcements, including mechanized units and heavy artillery battalions. About twenty divisions of Chinese troops were thus deployed along the Lanfeng sector in an attempt to check the further advance of the Japanese forces. General Cheng Chien, commander-in-chief of the Chinese first line, was taking personal command of the Chinese forces in this sector. On May 21st, all the Japanese forces started a general offensive on the Chinese troops.
The Japanese column which drove south from Tsining in western Shantung Province swung west on May 19th when it approached Hsuchow, after dislodging the Chinese troops from Chiulishan, northwest of Hsuchow.
On May 22nd, this column broke through the enemy position near Wangko, about 10 kilometres east of Tangshan on the Lung-Hai Railway. On May 23rd, it captured Tangshan. Part of this column took Yucheng at dawn, May 26th, routing the enemy composed of the 24th division and the Chinese troops which had fled from Tangshan.
The main body of the column, pressing back the enemy, reached Mamutsi on May 25th and launched an attack on Kweiteh on May 26th.
On the following day, it routed about 15,000 Chinese in the area southeast of Kweiteh after fighting until evening. On May 28th, it advanced to the area southwest of Kweiteh and pushed northwest by defeating a Chinese division which approached from the north. Toward evening, the Japanese column reached Kwanyintang, about 12 kilometres northwest of Kweiteh.
Part of this column attacked the enemy positions near the railway station at Kweiteh (Shangkiu) on the morning of May 28th. The following morning, it broke through the enemy positions and reached Wanglu, about 8 kilometres northwest of Kweiteh.
Another part of the Japanese column attacked Kweiteh from the east and successfully stormed the East Gate of the city at 5:30 a.m., May 29th. At noon, the Japanese occupied Kweiteh completely.
After clearing the town from the remnants of Chinese troops, the Japanese kept up their western drive in pursuit of the retreating enemy. On the evening of May 30th, they routed about 500 Chinese soldiers armed with trench-mortars south of Liuhotsi. On May 31st, they advanced to the area southeast of Kihsien, on which they launched an attack on June 1st.
After breaking through the Chinese positions south of Yangkutsi, the Japanese pressed hard on the area southwest of Lanfeng. On May 21st, the Japanese left column took Tsienlutsun and Chaotaoying (about 20 kilometres west of Lanfeng), thus cutting off the western retreat of the Chinese troops. This Japanese force dealt crushing blows to Chinese troops which tried to flee west from Lanfeng or to advance east toward Lanfeng, from the night of May 21st to May 23rd.
On May 23rd, part of the Japanese left column occupied Chenliukow, the ferry-point on the southern bank of the Yellow River northwest of Lanfeng. The following day, the Japanese occupied Lanfeng. A Japanese cavalry force entered Lanfeng from the west gate and the Yokoyama detachment entered by the north gate.
A strong body of Chinese troops offered stubborn resistance in the area east of Lanfeng even after the fall of Lanfeng, but it was routed by the Japanese after hand-to-hand fighting.
The extreme right column of the Japanese northern force which drove south from western Shantung Province encountered about 30 Chinese tanks or armoured cars in its southern drive from the Yellow River to Lanfeng. It destroyed 1 armoured car, 10 light tanks of Vickers manufacture and captured 1 baby tank and 2 light tanks of British make. The enemy left more than 20,000 dead and enormous quantities of rolling-stock, arms and ammunition. This column occupied Lanfeng on May 24th.
The Fall of Kaifeng
The Japanese forces then turned their attention to Kaifeng, where a large body of Chinese troops, about 20 divisions strong with central troops as the nucleus, were concentrated. At 10 a. m., June 2nd, the Japanese forces started a new offensive.
The Chinese force which confronted the Japanese right wing was about 2,000 strong, belonging to the 22nd, 46th and 101st divisions. It fled westward before the fierce Japanese attack, leaving a large number of dead on the field.
Pressing back the enemy, the Japanese forces steadily drove west. On the evening of June 4th, they reached the line between Tamenchai and Hsinglungtsi, about 12 kilometres east of Kaifeng. The following day, they pressed hard on Kaifeng, which they started to storm shortly after nightfall.
Heavy artillery fire was concentrated on the North and East Gates, and the northeastern salient of the wall at 6 o'clock that evening. The Kashima unit of the Toyama detachment occupied the salient at 8:25 o'clock.
The other Japanese units which were battering Kaifeng from the north and due east also entered the walled town. All remnants of Chinese troops in the town were eradicated during the morning of June 6th. The commander
of the Japanese forces made a triumphant entry into Kaifeng at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
The Chinese troops which attempted to defend Kaifeng were the 141st, 142nd and 34th divisions under General Shang Chen. They left a large number of dead, while the Japanese casualties totalled 47 killed and 125 injured.
Part of the Japanese forces then gave running fight to the enemy and at dawn, May 7th, occupied Chungmow, halfway between Kaifeng and Chengchow. The Chinese troops started retreating from Chengchow, the junction of the Lung-Hai and Peking-Hankow Railways, toward Loyang.
A Japanese detachment which approached Kihsien on June 1st encountered about 2,500 Chinese troops, which were routed in a westward direction, leaving about 300 dead.
Part of this detachment attacked Kihsien, while its main body kept up the western drive. On June 3rd, it occupied Tunghsu. The following evening it took Weitze practically without resistance. The Peking-Hankow Railway is now only 32 kilometres away. Kihsien also fell into Japanese hands on the evening of June 3rd.
Part of the Japanese forces attacked Chinese troops about one division strong south of Liuho Station on the Lung-Hai Railway on June 2nd and repulsed them the following day. They occupied Lihotsi that afternoon. The Chinese numbered about 6,000 men belonging to the 74th division, armed with over a dozen field guns and trench-mortars. The enemy left some 400 dead, while the Japanese casualties totalled about 100.
Another Japanese unit dislodged the Chinese troops from their positions near Tienlingchai, northeast of Kihsien on June 2nd. It also encountered Chinese troops, about six battalions strong, moving from the north and routed them westward. The enemy left about 200 dead.
The Japanese on June 3rd, gave running fight to the retreating enemy and reached the area south of Chenliu via Shihyuan, north of Kihsien, toward evening. On June 5th, they entered Chuhsien, which is halfway between Kaifeng and Weihsien. On June 6th, the main body of this force reached the area southwest of Kaifeng and cooperated with the Japanese troops which reduced Kaifeng in dealing with the Chinese troops which were fleeing west from Kaifeng.
Hwainan Railway is Occupied
The Japanese detachment which drove west along the Hwainan Railway kept up its western drive after occupying Chaohsien. By dislodging the Chinese troops from the Hwangshan area, this detachment, on the evening of May 13th, reached the line between Tienpu and the right bank of the Fei River south of it. On May 14th it occupied Luchow (Hofei), an important town on the Hwainan Railway. In these engagements, the enemy left some 2,000 dead, while the Japanese casualties totalled about 60.
In concert with this detachment, another Japanese force which guarded the western side of the Japanese encircling line round Hsuchow swung south and reached Peikiao on the southern bank of the Hwai River, halfway between Showhsien and Hwaiyuan on June 3rd. The following
evening, this force reached a point about 4 kilometres east of Showhsien, while part of it advanced south of Showhsien, by crossing Wafow Lake. Showhsien fell into the hands of this force on June 5th.
The enemy in this sector was composed of several divisions, including the 173rd, 174th, 31st and 130th.
Part of the Japanese forces which took part in the Hsuchow battle turned south and reached the area north of Fengtai and immediately advanced on the left bank of the Hwai River. At 5 o'clock p.m., June 4th, it crossed the Hwai River near Shwangkiaotsi (about 3 kilometres northeast of Chengyangkwan) and intercepted the highway between Showhsien and Chengyangkwan.
It immediately drove on Chengyangkwan and reached the eastern side of Chengyangkwan on the evening of June 5th. At 12:25 a.m., June 6th, it occupied the East Gate of Chengyangkwan and completely occupied the walled town before daylight, driving away the Kwangsiite troops, composed of the 131st and 135th divisions.
By occupying the Hwainan Railway and the strategical point of Chengyangkwan, the Japanese forces established a position menacing the flank of the Chinese defence line round Hankow.
Activities of the Military Air Force
The Japanese military air force in concert with the naval air force cooperated closely with the ground forces when the Japanese troops started an encircling movement round Hsuchow. It was remarkably active in conducting reconnaissance flights, establishing liaison, and supplying the ground forces with arms, ammunition and provisions.
In addition to conducting reconnaissance flights and establishing liaison, the military air force cooperated with the ground forces by bombing the Chinese military establishments and troop concentrations, thus facilitating the latter's swift movements.
The Shansi and Peking-Hankow Railway Fronts
The Japanese garrisons in Shansi Province are active in maintaining peace and order, by dealing drastically with remnants of Chinese troops. Presuming that the Japanese had withdrawn some troops from Shansi toward Hsuchow, the Chiang Kai-shek Administration sent a large force of well-equipped central troops to Shansi, but they were repulsed by the Japanese garrisons.
The Japanese garrison at Puhsien, the southern terminus of the Tatung-Puhsien Railway, was enveloped by a large body of Chinese troops on May 2nd, but succeeded in repulsing them with the arrival of reinforcements. The enemy fled toward Sihsien on May 7th. In this engagement which lasted for a week, the enemy whose numerical strength was estimated at 15,000 left 500 dead, while the Japanese casualties totalled 19 killed and 160 wounded. The enemy belonged to the Chinese 61st, 65th, 71st and 72nd divisions.
On May 6th, about 10,000 Chinese soldiers crossed to the left bank of the Yellow River near Wuwangtu and invaded Shansi Province, but were repulsed by the Japanese garrisons. The enemy fled to the right bank of the Yellow River.
The Japanese garrison at Lishih in western Shansi Province was repeatedly attacked by Chinese troops, but repulsed them every time. The Japanese garrison on May 6th attacked about 2,000 Chinese belonging to the 61st division which had taken up positions north of Lishih and routed them after hand-to-hand fighting.
The Kanamori detachment attacked the Chinese troops which had entrenched themselves at a point about 5 kilometres east of Lishih and drove them northward on May 22nd after fighting for nine hours. The enemy left about 400 dead.
The Japanese garrison at Chungyang in western Shansi was repeatedly attacked by 4,000 Chinese under General Wang Ching-kuo after April 26th, but repulsed them on May 5th, in cooperation with Japanese reinforcements sent from Lishih.
On May 16th, the Japanese garrison stormed the Chinese independent 2nd brigade, about 5,000 strong, and dispersed it. The enemy left 87 dead, 2 mountain-guns, 4 machine-guns, 3 light machine-guns and a large quantity of ammunition.
The Japanese garrisons at Kuwo and Howmachen in southwestern Shansi started an attack on a large force of Chinese troops armed with 12 tanks on May 12th. The enemy was repulsed on May 14th, but fighting in the suburbs still continued. The Japanese reinforcements which dashed from Sinkiang and Linfen encountered superior forces of Chinese troops on the way, but the situation developed in favour of the Japanese on May 18th. The Japanese dispersed the enemy west of Howmachen and near Shihtsunchen on May 19th.
The Chinese losses are estimated to have reached enormous figures. In the engagement with the Nakamura detachment near Kuwo on May 18th, the enemy left 1,600 dead.
The enemy near Kuwo still held the height on the southern bank of the Tsang River where it offered stiff resistance, while the enemy near Howmachen received further reinforcements from the south. On May 22nd and 23rd, the Japanese garrisons started attacks on the enemy positions west and northwest of Howmachen respectively.
The railway was interrupted near Linfen in southwestern Shansi, but it was re-opened to traffic on May 21st.
Several hundred Chinese soldiers counter-attacked the Japanese at Sinkiang and Yungcheng on May 17th and 18th, but were immediately repulsed by the Japanese garrisons.
The Japanese garrison at Sinhsien in northern Shansi dispersed about 1,000 Chinese soldiers on May 4th and advanced on Tingsiang. On May 6th, this garrison routed some 1,700 Chinese soldiers, belonging to the newly-organized 2nd division. The enemy left 330 dead, while the Japanese casualties totalled 1 killed and 5 injured.
The Japanese garrison at Tamengchen, about 24 kilometres southwest of Sinhsien, attacked about 300 Communist soldiers who had been engaged
in guerilla warfare and dispersed them. The enemy left about 50 dead.
The Japanese garrison at Hwaiking in northern Honan Province attacked about 6,000 Chinese which had taken up positions in the area southwest of Hwaiking and dealt them an overwhelming blow. The enemy fled toward the south and west, leaving about 800 dead, 4 trench-mortars, 4 heavy guns, 2 light machine-guns, 300 rifles, and large quantities of ammunition. The Japanese losses totalled 14 killed and 85 injured.
The garrison on May 19th engaged about 1,500 Chinese soldiers belonging to the 166th and the 8th route army near Hwaiking and in villages on the Tsin River and routed them. The enemy left about 200 dead.
The Japanese garrison at Wuan in northern Honan Province at dawn, May 9th, made a surprise attack on about 2,000 Communist regulars at a point about 20 kilometres south of Wuan and dispersed them. The enemy left about 250 dead, while the Japanese casualties totalled only 2 killed and 15 injured.
At dawn, May 22nd, this garrison again stormed the stronghold of about 600 bandits nearby. The bandits fled, leaving 220 dead.
The Hashidate detachment on May 19th attacked about 1,000 Communist soldiers at Jenhsien in Hopei Province and dispersed them. The enemy left about 100 dead. The Japanese casualties totalled 6 killed and 15 injured.
The Japanese garrison at Weihsien, border-town between Hopei and Shantung Provinces, was counter-attacked by a strong body of Chinese troops on May 10th, but Lieutenant Miyoshi, commander of the garrison, at the head of his men succeeded in routing them. The enemy casualties are conservatively estimated to have reached 600, including 263 killed in a bayonet charge. The Japanese capture included 100 rifles, 6 light machine-guns and a large quantity of ammunition. The outcome of the engagement struck terror into the Chinese guerilla corps in the Weihsien district.
The Japanese garrison at Menghsien 80 kilometres northeast of Taiyuan, capital of Shansi Province, was attacked by about 250 Chinese soldiers on May 16th. The latter were immediately repulsed.
The Inner Mongolian Front
The Communist 8th route army invaded Northeastern Shansi Province during the month of April to engage in sinister activities, whereupon the Japanese forces in Shansi Province lost no time in dealing out heavy losses on every occasion.
On April 12th, some 400 Communist soldiers were defeated near Yangyuan. The enemy left about 150 dead and 60 rifles. On May 6th, about 250 Communist soldiers were routed near Kwangling, leaving about 100 dead. On May 24th, some 500 Communists were defeated. The enemy left about 40 dead.
From early in April to late in May, the Japanese forces engaged Communist troops aggregating about 6,000 men no less than 18 times. The enemy lost about 550 men, 180 rifles and 11 machine-guns, while the Japanese casualties totalled 5 killed and 16 injured.
Chinese troops under Generals Fu Tsoi, Hu Chu-kuo and Men Ping-yo which were defeated by the Japanese forces near Holinkoerh early in May were silent for a time, but succeeded in reorganizing and rallying themselves at Chinshuiho, Lamawan and Siachengwan. They resumed their anti-Japanese operations once more.
The Japanese forces immediately launched a counter-offensive to meet them, advancing from Tokto in the north and Pinglu in the east. On May 29th, the Japanese reached the line between Lamawan and Tahungcheng and also the area east of Chingshuiho.
By breaking through the enemy positions, all the Japanese units massed near Chingshuiho on May 31st and immediately gave chase to the retreating enemy. On June 3rd, the Japanese forces reached the line between Laoniuwan and Shuichuanying.
The Matsuyoshi detachment, which advanced from Chingpingchen to Pienkwan defeated about 800 Chinese soldiers near Chihopu on May 31st. On June 2nd, this detachment attacked about 1,000 Chinese which had taken up positions near Laoyingpu. After encountering and defeating troops under General Ho Chu-ko which had been moving south, the Japanese detachment succeeded in occupying Laoyingpu and its vicinity by noon on June 3rd.
II. —FORCES OF THE IMPERIAL NAVY IN ACTION—
Publicity Bureau, Navy Department
Cooperation with the Army in the Battle of Hsuchow
The Japanese Naval Air Force played an active part in the battle of Hsuchow, cooperating with the military forces which successfully carried out an encircling movement round that city. An outline of the activities of the Naval Air Force is given below.
May 2nd Naval air units reconnoitred the eastern section of the Lung-Hai Railway and effectively bombed troop trains near Fofeng and troop concentrations near Sunkiatien and Shihlimiao.
May 3rd Naval air units attacked Hsuchow and bombed godowns and tracks at the railway station there.
May 4th Several naval planes visited Chiehhsien, Hsuchow and Kweiteh on the Lung-Hai Railway and the intermediate stations between them and bombed military establishments, railway tracks and goods waggons.
May 5th Suhsien, Kuchen and Mengcheng were visited, where troop concentrations and munition depots were bombed. The Japanese also bombed the Chinese headquarters at Kuchen.
May 6th Troop concentrations at Tancheng in southern Shantung Province were attacked.
May 7th In cooperation with the Japanese military operations in southern Shantung Province, naval air units visited Yunho, an important station on the eastern section of the Lung-Hai Railway, and effectively bombed goods waggons, munition depots and troop concentrations there.
May 8th Suhsien, Fengtai and Fowning were raided ; railway stations, military goods waggons, troop concentrations, military positions and other military establishments were bombed.
Other air units flew over Yunho, a strategic point east of it and Kanyu, a town at the northeastern extremity of Kiangsu Province, and bombed the military establishments there.
May 9th Munition dumps, troop concentrations and troop trains at Suhsien, Sinanchen and Yunho were thoroughly bombed.
May 10th Hsuchow and surrounding districts were raided twice, where military establishments, military goods waggons and munition dumps were bombed.
May 11th Several naval air units visited Suhsien and Kuchen in the southern section of the Tientsin-Pukow Railway and bombed military freight trains between them.
May 12th Naval planes, in cooperation with the ground forces along
the southern section of the Tientsin-Pukow Railway, attacked the enemy. They made three raids on Hsuhsien and effectively bombed the railway station, tracks, munition dumps and troop concentrations there. Mengcheng was also visited and the troop concentrations south of it were repeatedly attacked, while other naval air units visited Chuhsien in southeastern Shantung Province and bombed the troop concentrations there.
May 13th Over 70 naval planes under command of Lieutenant-Commander Tanamachi visited Hsuchow and showered bombs at the military establishments, including freight trains, munition dumps, railway tracks and the North Station. As the result of the Japanese bombing, fires broke out at several points in Hsuchow.
Another naval air unit commanded by Lieutenant Iwaki raided Yunho Station and bombed the station buildings and goods waggons there.
May 14th Naval air forces led by Lieutenant Shibata and Sub-Lieutenant Ikegami flew over Suhsien and bombed the military establishments and troop concentrations there, as the result of which fires were started at over a dozen places in the town.
Over a dozen naval planes led by Lieutenant-Commander Sonokawa with Lieutenants Kobayashi, Murata and Takahashi visited Kuchen and bombed enemy positions.
Another naval air unit visited the eastern section of the Lung-Hai Railway bombing military freight trains and locomotives.
May 15th A naval air detachment led by Lieutenant-Commander Suzuki raided Tangshan on the Lung-Hai Railway and attacked the troop concentrations in and around the town. This detachment bombed and destroyed the Tangshan airfield. It also attacked a large force of Chinese troops fleeing westward at a point east of Hsuchow. The Chinese positions between Suhsien and Kuchen were also attacked.
About 30 naval planes led by Lieutenant Takahashi visited Kuchen and bombed troop concentrations there.
May 16th A naval air unit led by Lieutenant Morinaga visited Hsuchow and attacked the enemy positions in a hilly district east of Hsuchow, inflicting severe damage. Another unit commanded by Lieutenant Shibata also visited Hsuchow and attacked the troop concentrations at Kangcheng, east of Hsuchow, causing heavy losses.
A naval air detachment commanded by Lieutenant-Commander Sonokawa attacked troop trains on the Lung-Hai Railway and troop concentrations along the railway zone, while naval air units led by Lieutenant Murata and Sub-Lieutenant Satoh attacked the enemy positions at Tamiao including a group of tanks near there. Naval air units led by Lieutenant Takahashi and Sub-Lieutenant Takaoka attacked troop concentrations in the area west of Mengcheng and the naval air unit commanded by Lieutenant Iwashiro attacked the enemy positions along the Grand Canal, dealing them a heavy blow. Sustained attacks were also made on Suhsien and other important Chinese positions along the Lung-Hai and Tientsin-Pukow Railways.
May 17th Troop concentrations east of Hsuchow were attacked despite the foul weather, and heavy damage was inflicted on the enemy.
May 19th The last day of Hsuchow arrived. The city fell before the Japanese onslaught. The scene then changed and Japanese forces, both
land and air, started pursuit of the enemy which was fleeing in disorder from Hsuchow. The Japanese naval air force was also active in attacking the fleeing enemy.
May 21st Naval air units were active all day, cooperating with the ground forces in attacking Chinese troop concentrations southeast of Hsuchow.
May 22nd Naval air units assisted the ground forces in clearing the area north of Hsuchow from the remnants of Chinese troops. Attacks were also made on the Chinese positions in the villages northeast of Pengpu. Sustained attacks were made on the Chinese troop concentrations at Holiutsi and the area west of it.
May 23rd Repeated attacks were made on the Chinese retreating from the direction of Hsuchow. Naval air units attacked junks carrying Chinese troops on Lake Hungtse and the Grand Canal and sunk many of them.
Chinese troop concentrations at Kwoyang and vicinity were bombed effectively, while enemy troop concentrations in the area south of Mengcheng and also at Panpuchen and Hsukow were attacked.
May 24th Naval air units visited Hwaiyin, Hwaian and Yingchow and attacked remnants of the Chinese troops which had found their way into those towns. Attacks were also made on the Chinese troops which had taken up positions at Wuhu, Szeyang and other places near Lake Hungtse and on about 5,000 Chinese at Tashahochen west of Haichow, the eastern terminus of the Lung-Hai Railway.
May 25th Over 40 Japanese naval planes visited Hwaiyuan, Fengtai and Yingchow and attacked troop concentrations there, inflicting heavy losses.
May 26th A large force of Chinese troops was sighted fleeing to the area north of Liuho from the direction of Hsuchow, whereupon about 70 Japanese naval planes attacked them continuously. Over 20 villages in which the enemy had established positions were also attacked. Losses sustained by the enemy are estimated to have been very heavy.
Chumatien in southern Honan Province on the southern section of the Peking-Hankow Railway has been used by the Chinese armies as a base of operations. Consequently, the Japanese Naval Air Force repeatedly attacked it.
May 21st Over 30 Japanese naval planes led by Lieutenant-Commander Suzuki and Lieutenant Aioi visited Chumatien and dropped over 200 bombs on the railway station and munition dumps there. Forty goods waggons were destroyed ; gasoline tanks and munition dumps in the railway compounds were burnt.
May 23rd Over 20 Japanese naval planes again visited Chumatien and bombed the airfield, fuel depots and gunpowder dumps there, with the result that fires were started at several points in the town which was enveloped in murky smoke.
May 25th A naval bombing squadron led by Lieutenant-Commander Mano visited Nanyang in southwestern Honan Province and bombed the airfield and gasoline tanks there, which were burnt. Not a single Chinese plane challenged the Japanese raiders.
Occupation of Lienyunchiang
Closely following the reduction of Hsuchow by the Japanese military forces, a Japanese marine force made a surprise landing at Lienyunchiang and occupied this port town, the eastern terminus of the Lung-Hai Railway.
May 20th Covered by warships and naval aeroplanes, a powerful body of Japanese marines effected a landing at Tunglien Island and Lienyunchiang in face of the enemy on the morning of May 20th. Dislodging the Chinese from positions where they offered stiff resistance, the marine force occupied the port town by nightfall.
Within two days after their landing, the Japanese marine force succeeded in clearing Lienyunchiang and its vicinity of Chinese troops and immediately started work on the repair of wharfs and other port facilities destroyed by the enemy. Emergency wharfs have already been put into commission.
The enemy left about 100 dead in retreating from Lienyunchiang. Losses suffered by the enemy as the result of bombardments by Japanese warships and bombing by Japanese naval planes totalled enormous figures.
May 23rd The Japanese marine force attacked enemy positions between Sunkiashan and Peikushan at noon, inflicting heavy damage on them. The Japanese Naval Air Force in concert with the ground forces made sustained attacks on the retreating Chinese troops.
May 25th Japanese naval air units repeatedly attacked the Chinese troop concentrations in and round Haichow.
May 28th Haichow and its vicinity were again visited where Chinese military positions were effectively bombed.
May 29th Japanese naval air units visited the area west of Haichow and either bombed or machine-gunned Chinese troop concentrations there and in the neighbouring villages.
May 30th The area north of Haichow which was infested by remnants of Chinese troops was visited.
Capture of Amoy Island
Amoy has been one of the major bases of anti-Japanese operations for the Chinese National Government. Amoy is separated from Formosa by a narrow strip of water. It is an important port in Fukien Province, conducting brisk trade with foreign countries. The Japanese navy occupied it at dawn, May 10th.
A large number of Chinese who are actively engaged in trade and other business in foreign countries come from Amoy. Therefore, the fall of that city has dealt a severe blow not only to the Nationalist Government but to Chinese abroad, who have been generously supplying their Government with war funds. Many Japanese nationals, especially Formosans, resided at Amoy before the outbreak of the China Affair, but their property had been confiscated by the Chinese authorities, while some of them were executed by firing-squads as spies.
May 10th A strong body of Japanese marines effected a landing at dawn on the eastern shore of Amoy Island in face of the enemy, covered by warships and aeroplanes. The Japanese authorities did everything in their
power to protect the lives and property of the nationals of third Powers and also of peaceful Chinese people. But the Chinese troops which had hitherto frequently used educational and religious institutions for military purposes established strong defence works in the compounds of Amoy University, which the Japanese air force bombed effectively, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy.
May 11th The Japanese marine force broke through the enemy positions at noon and entered Amoy City ; at 6 o'clock, the same evening, it occupied the entire town together with the compounds of Amoy University, where the enemy had taken up positions. Attacks were immediately started on the forts at Paishih, Hulishan and Panshih. Panshih Fort was reduced during the night, while Hulishan Fort was taken at 9 o'clock, the following morning.
Japanese naval air units attacked caravans of Chinese military motor-cars and motor-lorries on the continent. They also visited Lungyen and Changting, Foochow and Kienow in Fukien Province and Tienho and Pokwan near Canton, bombing the airfields and dealing heavy damage to the hangars and other installations.
May 12th Hulishan Fort was taken in the morning. All key points on Amoy Island were occupied during the day, while a clean-up campaign was started against the remnants of Chinese troops which fled into the mountainous region.
May 13th Several naval air units effectively bombed Tapanchiao Fort on the mainland, opposite Amoy.
May 14th A Japanese ground force crossed to the island and occupied Tapanchiao Fort, which was then dismantled.
Traffic on the Canton-Hankow Railway is Disrupted
The Japanese Naval Air Force is disrupting the Canton-Hankow Railway, the last defence line of the Chinese Nationalist Government, with sustained attacks. Frantic efforts are being made by the enemy to reorganize and strengthen the military establishments along the railway and also at Canton and Hankow, the terminal points.
May 2nd Pakonghow was visited and goods trains and railway tracks north of it were bombed.
May 4th All railway stations south of Shiuchow were visited ; military establishments and steel bridges were bombed.
May 6th The Japanese Naval Air Force devoted its attention to Yingtak and the surrounding district on the Canton-Hankow Railway, where railway stations, railway tracks, steel bridges, godowns, goods trains and junks near wharves were bombed effectively.
May 7th Wongshek and Pakonghow were visited. Military freight trains and railway tracks were bombed near Wongshek and the military arsenal and anti-aircraft batteries near Pakonghow were attacked.
May 8th Railway tracks and munition depots south of Pakonghow were attacked.
May 12th Naval air units made surprise attacks on the airfields at Tienho and Pokwan near Canton, where not a single Chinese plane challenged them.
May 13th Pakonghow was raided again. Railway tracks and goods trains south of it were bombed. Sheklung Station on the Canton-Kowloon Railway was attacked ; station buildings and railway tracks were destroyed. A night raid was made on the airfield at Tienho where the hangars and military barracks were bombed.
May 14th Several railway stations south of Shiuchow were attacked and bombs were dropped on station buildings, military freight trains and railway tracks. Military trains and railway tracks near Saitsun were also bombed and damaged, while Kungyifow on the Sunning Railway was visited and bombed.
May 15th Several naval air units visited Pakonghow and bombed the military arsenal there. Several bombs hit the arsenal. The local anti-aircraft batteries were also attacked, while the sidetracks in the railway compounds and several military freight trains were bombed and damaged. A night raid was made on the airfield at Tienho, near Canton.
May 16th Shatsun on the Canton-Kowloon Railway was visited where military trains were attacked, while junks carrying munitions near Samshui were also bombed. The airfield at Pokwan near Canton too was attacked and various installations there together with the military barracks were bombed and damaged.
May 17th Several points between Yingtak and Shiuchow on the Canton-Hankow Railway were bombed, while military freight trains were attacked. The hangars and various installations at the Koyiu airfield were bombed and damaged.
May 22nd Wongli Station on the Canton-Kowloon Railway was visited ; railway tracks there were bombed and destroyed.
May 25th Japanese naval planes flew over Tungtang Station on the Canton-Hankow Railway south of Pakonghow. The railway tracks there were destroyed at three points. Sheklung Station on the Canton-Kowloon Railway was also visited and station buildings and railway tracks were bombed. Several bombs hit the station buildings, which were burnt.
May 26th Pakonghow was again raided and various points south of it were bombed. Railway tracks south of Pakonghow were disrupted at several points.
May 27th About 40 Japanese naval planes visited the Canton-Kowloon Railway and bombed steel bridges, railway tracks and station buildings there. Two railway bridges were destroyed and the railway tracks were disrupted at over a dozen points.
May 28th A large-scale air attack on Canton was launched. About 30 Japanese naval planes visited Canton and bombed Wongsha Station, the terminus of the Canton-Hankow Railway. Station buildings, godowns and railway tracks were either destroyed or burnt. The Kwangtung Provincial Government buildings and the Chinese military headquarters were also bombed. The Japanese raiders were greeted with fierce fire from the Chinese military positions in and around Canton, but all of them returned to their base safely. Indiscriminate firing by the Chinese anti-aircraft batteries and machine-gun emplacements apparently caused heavy casualties among the Chinese civilians.
May 29th Another group of 30 Japanese naval planes again raided
Canton, and furiously bombed the military establishments there.
Wongsha Station was bombed again, and various establishments in the station compounds including godowns were burnt or destroyed together with goods trains. The aeroplane repair shops in southeastern Canton were bombed and demolished. The Kwangtung Provincial Government buildings and the military headquarters were bombed. The anti-aircraft batteries in the factory zone at Honan, part of Canton, were bombed and virtually destroyed.
Munition factories at Tsengpu, a suburb of Canton were also attacked and the sulphuric acid factory, cement mills and electric power stations were bombed.
May 30th Air attacks on the military establishments in and around Canton were continued despite heavy anti-aircraft fire. Buildings of the Canton Municipal Government, the Kwangtung Provincial Government, the military headquarters and Finance Ministry were bombed. Several bombs hit these buildings, of which the Provincial Government ones were burnt.
The anti-aircraft batteries east of Saitsun were bombed and destroyed. The munition factories of Tsengpu, a suburb of Canton, were bombed and the electric power station, the sulphuric acid factory and cement mills were destroyed, with scores of bombs taking effect. The military arsenal in the northeastern part of Canton was bombed, the shops and godowns of which were burnt.
May 31st Japanese planes raided the Canton-Hankow Railway. Railway tracks at Lohchong and in the mountain defile north of it were bombed. The line was disrupted at fourteen points, while in one place a cliff collapsed burying the tracks. Part of the station establishments at Lohchong was burnt.
One Japanese naval air unit visited Canton and attacked the airfield at Pokwan near Canton. The military barracks in the northwestern part of the airfield were bombed and burnt, while the anti-aircraft batteries were bombed and destroyed. Another Japanese naval air unit raided Saitsun and bombed goods trains and railway tracks north of Saitsun.
About 30 Japanese naval planes commanded by Lieutenant-Commander Tokoro visited Hankow, but they were troubled by poor visibility. Nine Japanese planes, led by Lieutenant Yoshitomi, which formed an outer flank of the Japanese squadrons sighted about 50 Chinese planes. Engaging the enemy planes despite heavy odds, the Japanese raiders succeeded in bringing down 20 out of some 50 Chinese planes after a 20-minute combat. All but one of the Japanese planes returned to their base safely.
One Japanese plane which participated in the raid, piloted by Warrant Officer Minami, was disabled with the wings hit by several bullets. It made a forced landing on the Yangtze River, but was rescued by a Japanese patrol boat.
In Central and South China
May 3rd Naval planes flew over Nanling, Fowning and Sihochen south of Wuhu. Chinese troop concentrations were bombed with heavy losses.
May 14th Koyiu in Kwangtung Province was raided and the airfield and munition depot were attacked. The depot exploded and was burnt.
May 15th Changchow, Chaochow and Foochow in Fukien Province were visited and the airfields there were bombed. Not a single Chinese plane challenged the Japanese raiders. The hangars in the airfield at Foochow were destroyed.
May 16th The airfields at Meihsien, Lungyen, Kutien and Kienow were bombed, without opposition from Chinese planes.
May 25th A Japanese naval bombing squadron commanded by Lieutenant Morinaga raided Siangyang in northwestern Hupei Province and bombed the airfield. It also visited Laohokow in northwestern Hupei Province and bombed the airfield there, destroying various installations.
May 26th The Japanese Naval Air Force was active over an extensive area, visiting points in the three provinces of Fukien, Kiangsi and Chekiang.
The airfield at Pucheng in northern Fukien Province was bombed. Two planes on the ground and the runway were destroyed.
Yushan in Kiangsi Province was also visited and the airfield there was attacked, but no Chinese plane challenged the Japanese raiders, who destroyed the runway.
About 10 Japanese naval planes led by Lieutenant-Commander Suzuki visited Nancheng in Kiangsi Province on the afternoon of May 26th and attacked the local airfield. Two Chinese planes on the ground were destroyed. A large building and a hangar in the airfield were bombed and destroyed. The Japanese raiders discovered six dummy planes at the airfield in addition to the two real ones which they bombed and destroyed.
May 28th A Japanese naval air unit visited Kanhsien in Kiangsi Province and attacked the airfield there. One Chinese plane on the ground was bombed and destroyed, while the fuel depot, airfield and runway were bombed. The fuel depot went up in flames.
Another naval air unit raided Kwanghsing in Kiangsi Province, attacking the airfield. No Chinese planes were sighted on the ground, but the runway was bombed and destroyed.
Nancheng in Kiangsi Province was also visited and the airfield there including hangars was bombed and destroyed.
The airfields at Ningpo and Chuki in Chekiang Province was bombed.
May 31st The Japanese Naval Air Force made extended visits to the three provinces of Fukien, Chekiang and Hunan.
Foochow, Pucheng, Kienow, and Yushan in Fukien Province, Lishui, Chuchow and Ningpo in Chekiang Province and Siangtan in Hunan Province were visited ; the airfields were attacked. Several godowns at the aerodromes at Lishui, Chuchow, Yushan, Siangtan and Ningpo were bombed and burnt.