40 MILES HELD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21547, 28 October 1944, Page 5

40 MILES HELD

LEYTE COASTLINE U.S. FORCES LINK UP 76 JAP. PLANES DOWNED WASHINGTON, Oct. 2G. “A junction of the 10th and 24th Corps has been established on the coast south of Tanoan, and we now control the eastern coastal sector of Leyte from the northern end at San Juanico straight to Dulag, a distance of 40 miles," says General MacArthur’s communique. “Elements of the First Cavalry Division repulsed a small enemy counter-attack at La Paz, on Samar Island. The 24th Division is meeting increasing opposition in its advance west of Palo. Southward, in the 24th Corps sector, the 96th Division captured Tabontabon, west of Catmon Hill. The Seventh Division, after sharp fighting, cleared the BurauenDagami road. "Additional communities freed of the enemy include Anibung, Tigbae, Cannangui, Hindang, Bolongtohn, Kalbasog, Calampanon, Malabka, San Gabriel, Kannanhag, Telegrafo and San Joaquin. “Air activity against shipping in San Pedro Bay and the Dean Head area was again limited to intermittent harassing raids, causing light damage and casualties. Thirty-nine planes were shot down by ack-ack and i 4 by fighter patrols, and 23 by planes from escort carriers in Leyte Gulf. The remnants of the enemy’s naval forces retreating from Leyte Gulf are being kept under continual aerial attack.” Samar Island was invaded by dismounted cavalrymen commanded by Major-General Verne Mudge.

The Tokio official radio, commenting on the battle of Leyte Gulf, said: "It is impossible to reveal what further measures will be taken by the Japanese Fleet, but one thing is now clear —America has lost the war.”