BATTLE ON GUAM

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 256, 26 July 1944, Page 4

BATTLE ON GUAM

Struggle For Vital Airfield RECORD NAVAL FORCE IN SUPPORT . (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.— Copyright.) (Received July 25, 10 p.m.) NEW YORK, July 24. The battle for complete domination of the Mariannes today raged on Guam and Tinian, supported by the greatest Allied naval concentration since the war, says the “New York Times”- cor l respondent. Orote Peninsula,, which is cut off by a marine brigade, contains an important airport built by the Japanese since the seizure of the island in December, 1941. They are expected to hold out there to the\ last, knowing that the loss of the airfield means the end .of resistance on Guam. The number of enemy troops cornered on the peninsula, which measures 7500 by 3500 yards, is not known. The change in the southern beach-head since yesterday depicts a clever and sue- t cessful. pinching movement, sealing off the Japanese forces in the peninsula, where a decisive engagement for Guam is -probably now in progress, with heavy guns and naval aircraft providing support for the American ground forces.

A. Pacific Fleet communique, says: “Enemy forces on the Orote Peninsula have been completely cut.off By the First Provisional Marine Brigade and the 77th Infantry Division, which advanced yesterday across the base of the penjnsula. “The Third Marine Division made additional gains on the northern sector against strong enemy opposition, which continues in spite of heavy casualties inflicted by the American ground troons and by air and naval bombardment. Our lines in the north extend north-east of the mouth of the Sasa River to Adelup Point, and extend inland approximately 2900 yards at the point of deepest penetration. Our lines in the south extend from the inner reaches -of Apra Harbour to a point opposite the Name Island, with the greatest depth of penetration approximately 5000 yards. “Carrier aircraft yesterday attacked runways and adjacent installations on Rota Island.

“On Saturday, Mitchells bombed and strafed gun positions and harbour’ installations at Ponape and Venturas attacked Shumushu, starting large fires near the airfield, and encountering moderate flak.' Eight interceptors caused some damage to one Ventura.”