Shanghai, Nov. 1. \OLLOWING three days of preparation and an intensive ai lery barrage and aerial bombardment, which brought tragedy to the Settlement's western areas, the Japanese yesterday, in a furious engagement, crossed the Soochow Creek, near Rubicon Village, and established themselves on the south side, despite vigorous Chinese attempts to prevent them.
Chinese reports of having repulsed the [Japanese attacks were late last night discounted by foreign observ-lers in the western districts, who could see and hear machine-gun and rifle fire well to the south of where the positions were the day before, and obviously on the south side of the creek.
With this crossing, the Japanese are expected to attempt to renew the offensive which started nine days ago at Tazang and to the west, and which resulted in the Chinese withdrawal from Yesterday's crossing was said to have been under cover of a smoke screen.
It began shortly before 2 p.m., following an artillery barrage from noon.
Japanese reports state that a pontoon bridge has been thrown across the creek at the point where they are now established on the south side.
During the day, Japanese aeroplanes were extremely active, from the rull-way westward, their' heavy bombs shaking the earth and rattling windows throughout Shanghai's western areas. Japanese spokesmen yesterday referred to this activity "extensive," stating that Chinese positions, concentrations and supply Hines were bombed. Weiting. Huangtu, Chenyi, Soochow, Tsinpu, and Poolung also received visits from the air squadrons.
Chinese artillery, both field and showed considerable activity yesterday. One of their fold batteries, just behind a British residences in' Hungjao Road, near Rubicon Road, was freely exchanging compliments with a Japanese battery, north of tthe Creek' and east of the Chenju bridge, between Peihsinching 'Village and' Jessfield. Japanese batteries, from north of the Creek, from 1'pm. onwards, were busily engaged shelling Chinese "positions west of the Shanghai-Hangchow Railway, up to Lincoln Avenue and beyond to Rockhill Avenue. Again at 5 pam, near the Jessfield Railway bridge there was tremendous artillery and aerial activity. and 5 pin. Japanese planes bombed Hungjao village and surroundings.
Japanese shells fell in Warren Road, south of Lincoln Avenue.
The Toyoda No, 1 Cotton Mill, just west of Chungshan Road, was burning brightly already at 230 p.m, as were other buildings in the are
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