BN | Nankin Senshi Henshu Iinkai [Battle of Nanking Editorial Committee], Nankin senshi [The Battle of Nanking] (Tokyo: Kaikosha, 1993). |
EABN | Unemoto Masami, "Shogen ni yoru Nankin senshi" [Eyewitness accounts of the Battle of Nanking], Parts 1-10 in Kaiko (April 1984-March 1985). |
SMBN | Nankin Senshi Henshu Iinkai [Battle of Nanking Editorial Committee], Nankin senshi shiryoshu [Source material relating to the Battle of Nanking] (Tokyo: Kaikosha, 1993). |
It is difficult to say just what the strength of the Chinese Army in and around Nanking was. Some observers estimated that there were as many as sixteen divisions participating in the battle for the city. This could be true. Chinese divisions even in normal times have an average of only 5,000 men. The battered divisions that defended Nanking were, possibly, at least in some cases, composed of only 2,000 or 3,000 men each. It is fairly safe to say that some 50,000 troops took part - and were trapped - in the defense of Nanking.
It is very likely that the source of Durdin's figures was a prior briefing. He continues:
The Japanese themselves announced that during the first three days of cleaning up Nanking 15,000 Chinese soldiers were rounded up. At the time, it was contended that 25,000 more were still hiding out in the city.
Durdin adds that "about 20,000 were executed." Cf. Durdin, "Japanese Atrocities Marked Fall of Nanking After Chinese Command Fled," op. cit.