WAKE ISLAND RAID

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 86, 8 October 1943, Page 5

WAKE ISLAND RAID

RECAPTURE PLANNED?

PEARL. HARBOUR, October 7,

The strong task force, including an aircraft-carrier, which hcayily shelled and bombed the Japanese installations and garrison on Wake Island, in the North Pacific, commenced its attack at dawn on Tuesday, says a communique from Admiral Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. RearAdmiral Alfred Montgomery commanded the operation.

The participation of surface units as well as planes probably indicates that the navy intends the reduction of Wake Island, which is a key stepping-stone in Japan's aerial route to the Marshalls and Gilberts, says the "New York Times." The occupation of Wake Island has been predicted for some time, but there is no indication that such an operation will be undertaken immediately. It is stated that if the fleet is able to keep the island neutralised, invasion is not necessary. It is noteworthy that the announcement of the attack followed shortly after the conference of Admirals. Nimitz, King, and Halsey.

The Associated Press says that the attack on Wake, following closely on the Marcus Island and Gilbert Island raids, is evidence that the Japanese central Pacific defence perimeter will undergo steady punching in the newlyopened offensive phase of the Pacific war.

Wake was captured by the Japanese on December 23, 1941, after 16 days of heroic resistance by its small garrison. The last naval blow at Wake was on February 23, 1942, when bombs from aircraft and shells from naval vessels destroyed shore installations. Wake is an important mid-Pacific air base, being 1200 miles from Truk and 2000 miles from the Japanese mainland.