FIGHTING ON PELELIU

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 September 1944, Page 5

FIGHTING ON PELELIU

U;S:A. MARINES’ CAPTURES

JAPS. WELL DUG-IN WASHINGTON, September 21. “Marines continue to apply heavy pressure against strong Japanese defensive positions in rough terrain on the western shore of Peleliu Island. Slow progress is being made against bitter enemy resistance. On one sector marines captured 11 field guns, 70 machine-guns, 'and 23 mortars, and additional gains were scored along the eastern shore of the island, where virtually all enemy resistance has been mopped up. It is estimated that (he American forces killed more than 7000 enemy troops on Peleliu and 600 on Angaur.” “The Ist United States Marine Regiment, captured ‘Bloody Nose’ ridge after the stiffest "fight in the marines’ history,” says the correspondent of the United Press. “The fall of ‘Bloody Nose’ ridge silenced most of the fire directed at the Peleliu aerodrome, where Seabees are preparing for the arrival of combat aircraft' which will permanently nullify the uninvaded Palau Islands such as Koror and Bebethuap, where it is estimated 30,000 Japanese are immobilised. The wreckage of 117 Japanese aircraft, including 77 fighters, was found on the aerodrome, which is the finest in the mandated islands. “The marines’ principal job on Peleliu is to dig out the Japanese on successive ridges leading to the causeway connecting Ngesebus Island. The job is expected to take several days.' The Japanese are thoroughly dug in, and they are utilising the terrain to the full advantage. The Japanese are fighting intelligently instead of expending men in futile attacks.”

The correspondent of the “New York Times” says: “The fairly light marine casualties in the first five days does not indicate a relatively easy campaign. On the contrary, it has been, a bitter light, with the enemy resisting to the death. Furthermore, this is probably the most difficult terrain yet encountered in the central Pacific. However, the disadvantages have been considerably nullified by the perfected communication between ships and aeroplanes and the men at the front. It is a beautiful example of co-ordination, and it has been brought to a state of perfection lately with great improvements since Tarawa.”

RAID ON SUMATRA.

KANDY, September 21.

“As part of the offensive policy steadily being directed against the Japanese-held Indies, a small but fast and powerful carrier force has delivered another blow in Northern Sumatra and is now speeding back to base,” reports an Associated Press correspondent at sea off Sumatra. “Barracuda torpedo-bombers, escorted by Corsair Fleet fighters, thoroughly pasted the railway repair depot at Sigli, near Sumatra’s northern tip, and left three-quarters of it in ruins. Raids, aimed at softening up Sumatra in preparation for more vital operations, are becoming more frequent, and each has disclosed the inability of the Japanese effectively to hit back.“For this latest enterprise the naval force steamed within sight of the Sumatra coast before launching its aircraft, and although it turned and hauled off rapidly, leaving pilots to pursue it to sea when the mission was finished, our momentary nearness to the coast provided the Japanese with an opportunity which he significantly failed to- accept. Our aeroplanes faced little ground opposition and it was not until late in the afternoon, when they were all snugly aboard, that the air*umbrella found the only Zero fl.y\ ing high towards us. At first sight oi the fighters he turned and bolted. The only breathless moment of the whole enterprise was when the aeroplanes were landing on the carriers after the operation. A black rain squall almost blotted out our carriers. Dozens oi aeroplanes, having broken formation, were flying round like excited teal upset by shooters’ guns, but all landed safely. The outstanding conclusion which can be drawn is that the raid strengthened the suspicion that Sumatra can be had for the taking. BRITISH FORCES’ PAY LONDON, Sept. 21. The “Daily Express” says: British servicemen who are transferred from the European theatre to the Pacific, after Germany's defeat, will receive increased pay. Increases are expected to be substantial. A Tommy’s basicpay is now 3/- or 3/6 per day, compared with basic rates (sterling) of 8/3 per day for Americans, and 5/2 per dav for Australians. Increased pay for fighting Japan will be some compensation to those men who remain in the Services after the defeat of Germany. On the assumption that war against Japan will largely be carried on in the air and at sea, nearly every man in the R.A.F. and Navy will also receive a big increase.