NEARING COAST

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21550, 1 November 1944, Page 3

NEARING COAST

ADVANCE ON LEYTE U.S. CAVALRY UNITS JAPS’ LINE "OF RETREAT WASHINGTON, Oct. 30. "The American grown? forces advancing in Leyte Valley are within 10 miles of the coast,” says General MacArtliur’s communique. “Elements of the 24th Division'have driven the enemy rearguards from Jaro, the last important road junction below Carigara Bay, and are moving north to effect a junction with the First Cavalry units operating along the enemy’s principal line of retreat to the west coast, near Dagami. "Seventh and 9Gth Division units easily repulsed several minor night counter-attacks, and the isolated enemy forces on Catmon Hill, breaking out of fox-holes and caves, are being steadily destroyed. Our troops hold all the high ground in this locality. In both corps sectors our forces control all the lateral roads and internal communication lines.

“Enemy air activity in the Leyte and Samar area has decreased sharply. Our command shot down six enemy planes without loss. ■•The upmy is reported to have ferried reinforcements during darkness from Cebu to Ormoc, on the west coast of Leyte. "A raging typhoon, with winds at 70 miles an hour, and drenching rains seriously interfered with all movements in the first 10 days of the operations on Leyte and Samar. The enemy casualties are estimated at 24.000. Our casualties are 706 dead, 270 missing and 2343 wounded.” ihe Associated Press' correspondent on Leyte reports that P.T. boats patrolling Ormoc Bay, on the west coast of Leyte, are attacking the barges with which the Japanese are attempting to withdraw to Cebu. A cuiisiueruDie Japanese stronghold remains on the west side. Therefore a stiff light is in prospect if the P.T. boats are able to keep the bewildered Japanese on the beach until the American troops reach them.