AMERICAN VICTORY IN PACIFIC BATTLE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 133, 8 June 1942, Page 5

AMERICAN VICTORY IN PACIFIC BATTLE

IAP. NAVY LOSSES

Carriers Sunk In Three-

Day Engagement

United Press Association.—Copyright. Rec. 1.30 WASHINGTON, June 7.

The latest communique from Admiral C. W. Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief of the United States Pacific Fleet, indicates as much by the confident tone in which it is compiled as by the considerable claims it contains that an important defeat has been inflicted on the Japanese naval forces.

The communique says: "Pearl Harbour has now been partially avenged. Vengeance will not be complete until Japan's sea power has been reduced to impotence. We have made substantial progress in that direction. Perhaps we may be forgiven if we claim that we are about midway to our objectives. The battle is not over. All the returns have not been received. It is with full confidence, however, that for this phase of the action the reported enemy losses are claimed."

The Japanese have lost two, and possibly three, aircraft carriers, and have had at least 11 other ships damaged in the great battle with United States forces in the region of Midway Island. The battle has been in progress for three days. Although the battle is not yet over, the following successes have been won:—Aircraft carriers: Two, possibly three, destroyed'with all their aircraft; one or two damaged and most of their aircraft lost. Battleship: Three damaged, at least one seriously. Cruisers: Four damaged, three of them being badly crippled. Transports: Three damaged. Some of the ships were so damaged that they might not be able to reach their bases. Aircraft Strike Hard Blows The only United States casualty so far reported is an aircraft carrier damaged and the loss of some planes. Casualties among personnel were light. On the basis of official reports the battle appears to have consisted of a series of spectacular and fierce engagements. In his communique Admiral Nimitz states: "Through the skill and devotion to duty of all branches of our armed forces in the Midway area our citizens can now rejoice that a momentous victory is in the making. The Japanese have not followed up their initial air attack on Midway Island except for a few ineffectual shots from a submarine on Friday night. The brunt of the defence so far has fallen upon our aviation personnel, in which the army, navy and marines are all represented. They have added* another shining page to their record of achievements.

"One Japanese aircraft carrier, already damaged by an air attack, was later hit by three torpedoes from one of our submarines. Several instances are reported of enemy planes machine-gunning our air personnel who had baled out. While it is too early to claim a major Japanese disaster, it may be conservatively stated that United States control remains firm in the Midway area. The enemy appears to be withdrawing, but we are continuing the battle." The highest circles in Washington are greatly heartened by the official report that the United States forces have scored a crushing victory over Japanese naval units in the greatest air and sea battle fought so far in this war. The battle began two days ago when the Japanese attempted a large-scale air attack on Midway Island, but the enemy was surprised by the American forces.

Naval comment in Washington emphasises that the result of the engagement will determine the enemy's ability to strike further blows against Hawaii or the Panama Ganal.