The Sino-Japanese War came to a climax in the five days of October 21-25 when the Japanese took not only Hankow but also Canton, China's last access by sea to the outside world. The key city of the south fell like a ripe pear in autumn. Relying on British presence across the bay in Hong Kong, the Chinese had prepared no defense because they could not believe the Japanese would move in under the imperial shadow of the Peak or that Britain would let the event happen without retaliation.
Barbara W. Tuchman, Stilwell and the American Experience in China, 1911-45, p. 194
With the battle of Wuhan about to wrap up here are some picutres from this 4 month battle.
Chinese soldiers at the Yangtze River near Wuhan, circa Aug-Oct 1938
Japanese troops and light tanks near Wuhan, circa Aug-Oct 1938
Map of the Battle of Wuhan
Chinese machine gun position, near Wuhan, circa Aug-Oct 1938
Chinese mortar team in Xinyang, Oct 1938
Japanese troops celebrating the capture of Wuhan at the Wuhan barracks, 27 Oct 1938