Expressing his admiration for the feats of naval planes, Vice-Admiral Hasegawa noted that the First [Combined Air Force had carried out eight long-distance raids on strategic [Chinese airdromes since the begin" ning. of the hosttilies.
The naval air squadron under It-Cmdr. Tetsujiro Wada aided materially the advances of Japanese infantry " by repeated devastating bombardments of Nanking, the Fleet [Commander said.
Significance was attached by Vice Admiral Hasegawa to the dramatic facriat combat engaged in by small Feconnoltering hydroplanes aundet the command of Lieut, "Aki Miyata from the warships "Idzumo Jand Sendai at the beginning of the hostilities.
These planes engaged powerful Chinese bombers and brought down two of them, thereby strengthening the morale of bluejackets and dis pelling the fears of Hongkew residents, the message said.
Farang Raid Recalled While the naval band played the "Kimigayo." the national "anthem, and. the bugles pierced the silence outside, the Rising Sun Flag was raised atop the building.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.