BATTLE ON ATTU

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 May 1943, Page 5

BATTLE ON ATTU

AMERICANS CAPTURE RIDGE COL. KNOX’S STATEMENT ~RUGBY, May 18. The United States Secretary of the Navy (Col. Knox) announced to-day that American troops smashed one of the main centres of Japanese resistance at Attu Island in the Aleutians. Colonel Knox said that despite stubborn resistance, the casualties so far, were “much lighter” than expected. He said: “We now have word that our troops captured the ridge and have driven the enemy out. We are now in possession of that ridge.” The ridge referred to runs from east to west, south of Holtz Bay. Colonel Knox said the capture makes it possible for a pincers operation against the main enemy positions. He had received no definite word whether the juncture of the two United States forces had yet been effected. At present, they were approaching each other. Colonel Knox added that naval units continued to aid the ground elements with bombardments, when opportunity arose. The Japanese were apparently unaware of the United States plans, but offered very serious resistance. The need for secrecy will continue until the operations are absolutely successful. A United States .Navy communique, describing the initial operations, states: North Pacific: The Military situation now permits the announcement of some details of the landing of the United States forces at Attu on May 11. The occupation began when a scouting party landed at Blind Cove, Holtz Bay, at the north east, and the Attu main landings were effected at two points, the Holtz Bay area and Massacre Bay at the south-east end of the island. The landings were made under coyer of the naval forces, which bombarded the enemy installations in both areas, and United States Army olanes, which attacked enemy positions in the vicinity of Chicaguf Harbour. Both groups advanced inland They encountered stubborn resistance from numerous machinegun nests. The Japanese forces have entrenched themselves along a rocky ridge. Despite unfavourable weather United Stales Army planes had carried out several bombing and strafing attacks since the initial landings. Our troops have established then positions, and the operations are continuing. GOOD WEATHER WANTED WASHINGTON, May 18. A. swift conclusion to drive out the Japanese from Attu in the Aleutians appears to be probable, according to the Associated Press correspondent. However, aside from a brief communique, which says “operations against the Japanese _ on Attu are continuing,” the only information is that heavy weather has been delaying action. , , x , One authority asserted to-day. “Good clear weather is all we need. According’ to the Tokio radio this has now arrived. The announcer said. “Air and naval bombardment was supporting the arrival of streams of American" reinforcements.” Thick log had prevented earlier sea, air and even major ground movements. An American Naval spokesman declared to-day: Japanese claims that the United States forces were using poison gas here are “absolutely untrue.” Observers regard the accusation as a further step towards preparing the Japanese for the loss Oi Attu. Tokio has broadcast an account of the development of Jhe fighting on Attu, but the reports lack confirmation here. American commanders are believed to be too busy to send detailed reports of the progress.

WAKE ISLAND BOMBED

RUGBY, May 18

The United States Navy announces an air attack on Wake Island. A force of Liberator heavy bombers attacked Japanese installations on the island. Bad weather prevented observation of results. The attacking planes were engaged by twenty-two Japanese fighters of which two were definitely and one probably destroyed. JAPAN WARNS RUSSIA.

(Recd. 11.40 a.m.) LONDON. May 18.

Russian-Japanese relations are governed by the Neutrality Pact, but if Russia ever gives the United States the use of its base in. Siberia, then Japan’s Kwantung Army will deliver blitzkrieg blows that Russia will not forget for some time, said the Tokio radio.

It added that Japan is ready to meet every emergency. Her history teaches her that nothing is certain in international relations, and Japan is ready to take the next step. SOUTH PACIFIC AREA AERIAL RAIDS SYDNEY, May 18. Japanese air raiflers appeared tn force again on Monday, when 22 bombers, escorted by 21 fighters, attacked the Wau aerodrome, in Northern New Guinea. Slight damage and casualties in this raid arc reported in to-day’s communique from General MacArthur’s Headquarters. The raiders dropped 200 light bombs and made off quickly after a rapid bombing run. Allied aircraft paid another damaging visit to the enemy aerodrome at Gasmata, in New Britain, destroying a bomber which was caught on the ground. Allied raiders were also active north-west of Australia. Damaging attacks were made on the Koepang and Dilli aerodromes in Timor, and." at Langgoer, in the Kel Islands, Beaufighters destroyed three Zeros which were caught on the ground. Three Japanese aircraft bombed end strafed-the Mappi area, 100 miles inland from the Allied southern New Guinea base of Mcrauke.