A clever ruse, used in the seizure of Kwangchow, enabled the Japanese to capture this strategical town with a toll of only 39 casualties, Japanese staff officers revealed. Chinese losses on the outflanked north sector numbered 555 in abandoned dead alone.
In approaching Kwangchow on Friday, the Japanese forces advancing from Kushiu to the east, halted at a point three kilometres from the city walls, Huge bonfires were ordered lit, these succeeding in causing the Chinese to believe that the main Japanese force was concentrated to the east.
Meanwhile, a Japanese column proceeded north of. the town, where it was joined by another column which|_ had advanced on the Hwai River from Pengpu. This combined force then launched an attack on the depleted Chinese left flank which collapsed almost instantly.
Booty captured by this combined Japanese force comprised two automobiles, two water-cooled machineguns, five light-machine guns, 56 cases of ammunition, and 50 cases of hand-grenades, in addition to large quantities of transport equipment including horses, Defending the north sector were Chinese forces estimated at 3,000 men, while the city was garrisoned by six divisions, including the Ninth Cavalry Division. They fled after setting fire to the town.
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