HAVOC AT TRUK

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 125, 22 February 1944, Page 5

HAVOC AT TRUK

Enemy Loses 19 Ships And 200 Planes PART REPAYMENT OF PEARL HARBOUR (By Telegraph.—Press Aasn.—Copyright.) WASHINGTON, February 20. Nineteen Japanese ships were sunk, another seven probably sunk and 201 planes destroyed at Truk. , A Pacific Fleet communique says: “The Pacific Fleet returned, at Truk, the visit made by the Japanese Fleet on December 7, 1941 (this was the attack on Pearl Harbour), and effected a partial settlement of the debt. The initial approach was undetected. “During the attacks on February 16 and 17 our carrier planes destroyed at least 201 enemy aircraft, 127 of which were shot down in combat. More than 50 additional enemy aircraft were damaged on the ground. “The enemy surface ships sunk comprised two light cruisers, three destroyers, one'ammunition ship, one seaplane tender, two oilers, two gunboats, and eight cargo ships. The enemy ships probably sunk comprised one: cruiser or large destroyer, two oilers, and four cargo ships. ' , , . ' • ij“The shore’ facilities on the principal i islands, including the aerodrome runways and installations, were thoroughly bombed and strafed. A

“Admiral Raymond A. Spruance was in overall command of the operation, nud Rear-Admiral Mark Mitsclier, the former commanding officer of the air-eraft-carrier Hornet, directed the carrier air attack.” Details of the extent of the damage to Japanese shore facilities must await further word from the fleet. However, it may be assumed, says the correspondent of the Associate.'. Press of America at Pearl Harbour, that the dry-dock, ship repair yards, and the excellent anchorage at Eten Island, as well as the 4000-yard airstrip on Eten Island have been bombarded. If the damage to shore facilities is comparable to the destruction of Japanese ships and planes, Truk would today be a shambles, yet the Japanese have undoubtedly built many underground installations which are virtually safe from bombardment.

Usefulness Crippled.

However, it is certain that Truk’s usefulness as a major supply depot and refuelling base for the South and MidPacific, is greatly crippled and much of the harbour virtually useless, with the lagoon strewn with sunken hulls. Admiral Nimitz’s failure carrier., and battleships undoubtedly means that the enemy had not ships of those classes at Truk at the time of the raid. It is assumed that the carriers had been recalled to guard Tokio. The United States forces raiding Truk were greater than the Japanese forces raiding Pearl Harbour. It is estimated that the Japanese have lost at least 1143 ships, exclusive of troop and supply bargee, since the war began. The small price paid for the Truk victory has astonished even the optimists, says the Pearl Harbour correspondent of the United Press of America. Navy experts reconstructing the scene from the reports, said that the Japanese tried to retort i<) strength to the American attack, hut were overwhelmed by American carrier planes which 'completely absorbed the Japanese retaliation. Because of the knock-out nature of the blow, it is believed possible heavy American surface units steamed in and helped finish the destruction. The “New York Times” Pearl Harbour correspondent says that as an immediate source of enemy power which might hamper Allied operations in the Pacific. Truk may be counted out. Even if we do not attack again, it will take a surprised enemy some time to recover from the lethal stroke which resulted in the richest haul yet achieved in the central Pacific. Apart from the long-range advantages, this decisive victory of the neutralization of Truk will considerably relieve any pressure planned by the enemy on the new Allied bases at Kwajalein and also greatly facilitate our position at Eniwetok.