MAJOR THREAT DEVELOPING— Reds Prepare Biggest Offensive Of War

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 August 1950, Page 5

MAJOR THREAT DEVELOPING— Reds Prepare Biggest Offensive Of War

TOKIO, August 14 (Rec 10 The Americans defending the Naktong river line fought off six powerful thrusts by North Korean forces yesterday in what may be the opening phrase of the biggest enemy offensive of the Korean war. An estimated six North Korean divisions, probably at least 60,000 men, moved into attacking positions with tanks and artillery to storm the thin American lines protecting Taegu. The most serious threat was 23 miles south of Taegu in the Changyong area, where the enemy launched six attacks yesterday as he inched forward on the east side of the winding Naktong river. American armour and troops were rushed to this sector to back up the battle-tired 24th Division and the attacks were repulsed.

Reserve American elements were engaged in reducing an enemy pocket of 200 troops in the rear of the 34th Regiment—one of the units which bore the brunt of the frontal attacks.

General MacArthur’s communique says that several Communist crossings in the United States First cavalry Division sector were broken up, but some North Korean troops managed to get across the river. The division was: engaged yesterday hunting down these disorganised forces.

Another Major Threat Another major threat was developing today in the north-west corner of the battle line, where 12,000 North Koreans are estimated to have crossed the Naktong. General MacArthur’s headquarters reported early today a continuing Communist build-up in the Waegwan area, “with the heavy pressure being exerted by Red units.” Reuter’s correspondent says that the South Koreans in the northwest corner are facing a build-up of five Communist divisions, already spearheading Taegu. They have withdrawn about four miles to a shorter defence line. From a point on the Naktong river about seven miles north of Waegwan, the line runs in an arc to the north-east, passing south of Kunwi. American advisers with the South Koreans said the Communists north of Kunwi had withdrawn on Saturday in face of strong southern pressure. Early yesterday, however, wnen the Southerners were beginning to pull back, one battalion was ambushed by the Northerners, who apparently doubled back on the line of retreat. Half a battalion was lost.

Harassing Tactics In the Chinju sector, the Americans consolidated their gains yesterday, but infiltration remained a threat and the United States force was engaged mainly in fighting small pockets of enemy troops, which are continually harassing the supply routes and lines of communication.

General MacArthur’s communique yesterday said: “Marine elements of the force engaged on the drive towards Chinju continued to advance in .the rugged mountainous area southeast of Chinju. The marines reported the capture of 25 motor-cycles and 44 Russian-type jeeps along the KosongSachon road in the northern part ol the sector. A small-scale enemy attack in the vicinity of Pansong was repulsed.

Heavily Engaged

“On the east coast Allied forces were heavily engaged in the Pohang area, the .United States elements of the force attacking towards Pohang, while the Southerners continued to advance towards Chidong. South-Ko-reans seized the town of Topyong, capturing significant stocks of armoured vehicles and rations.” General MacArthur estimates that there are two regiments of Communists in the Pohang area. The communique continued: “Elements of the United States First Cavalry Division attacked and destroyed several enemy forces that succeeded in crossing the Naktong river. More than 400 of the enemy were killed by this division during the day’s operations.” Pohang Abandoned

Reuter’s correspondent says the United Nations’ task in Korea has been increased by the withdrawal of fightei’ planes from the front-line air-strip near Pohang yesterday. It means that all Mustangs will have to be operated from bases in Japan, allowing them much less time over the target area. The United States Air Force decided to abandon the Pohang airstrip on the Korean east coast yesterday, when mortar bombs began falling a few hundred yards from vulnerable planes. Mustang fighters were sent to a safer field and ground crews and installations were put aboard a United Nations ship standing off the coast.