INVADERS' RAPID ADVANCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 24, 28 July 1944, Page 5

INVADERS' RAPID ADVANCE

WASHINGTON, July 26. "The attack launched by the American forces on Tinian Island, in the Marianas, early yesterday morning resulted in rapid advances, and the entire northern quarter of the island is now in our hands," states a Pacific Fleet communique. "Our line is anchored below Faibus Sanhilo Point on the west coast, and extends to the "Asiga Point on the east coast.

"During the day one of our battleships located and knocked out several camouflaged block-houses. American aircraft continued bombing and strafing selected targets. Our troops counted 1958 enemy dead. Thunderbolts from Saipan supporting the ground operations on Monday dropped firebombs and strafed troops, a railroad junction, coastal guns, and barracks. Other Thunderbolts attacked Pagan Island, scoring bomb hits on the airfield taxiways.

"Carrier aircraft continued to support the bombing of Guam, attacking Japanese ground installations. Enemy positions .on Rota Island were also bombed.

"Army Mitchells attacked Jokaj Island, in the Ponape group, on Sunday. A single Liberator bombed "Jruk on Monday, starting fires which were visible for 30 miles. A navy Ventura bombed Nauru Island on Monday.

"Other planes struck at bivouac area£, anti-aircraft and coastal gun positions in Japanese-held islands in the Marshalls."