JAPS’ LAST STAND

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21551, 2 November 1944, Page 6

JAPS’ LAST STAND

LEYTEJSLAND ORMOC BAY REGION RESERVES FILTERING IN (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, “Despite casualties estimated at 24,000, the Japanese on Leyte are still resisting desperately in isolated pockets in the south-west and west of the island,” writes a Philippines correspondent. “The indications are that they will make a last stand at Ormoc Bay, on the west coast. “There arc indications that the Japanese are now attempting to bring in reinforcements at night from Cebu Island. Some appear to have run our blockade and are smashing through to the coast. The Japanese casualties continue in proportion to be more than seven to one. Against their casualties, the American total is 3221, comprising 706 killed, 270 missing and 2245 wounded.

“Due principally to the activities of Lightning fighters, the Japanese air raids on Leyte have diminished.” General MacArthur’s Praise Major-General Hodge, commander of the 24th Corps on Leyte, estimates that 2000 Japanese trapped east oi Dagami between the Seventh and 96th 'Divisions were killed on Sunday. Guerrillas also exhibited the sword of Major Namba, the most hated Japanese, whom they killed, together with 50 others, on Tadahanan Mountain. General MacArthur, in Field Order No. 1, issued to-day, said: “Now that the initial phases have been successfully accomplished, I wish to express admiration and gratitude to all the commanders and ranks for the determination, fortitude and courage displayed under the most difficult, dangerous and complex situation.” General MacArthur praised the magnificent co-ordination of the services, also the special tactical efficiency of the various branches. He said the skill with which the troops manoeuvred not only outwitted the enemy, but resulted in a relatively low casualty rate, unsurpassed in the history of the war. General MacArthur specially paid a tribute to the Australian Squaciron, which, he said, had conducted itself in accordance with the highest tradition of the British Commonwealth of Nations. He declared that Admiral Kinkaid had shown himself to be one of the great naval leaders of our day and concluded: “I shan’t relax until Bataan and Corregidor once more rise to life. Almighty God has blessed our arms.” Now Eight Miles from Coast “The American drive up Leyte Valley has continued unchecked,” says General MacArthur’s communique on the Tenth Corps sector. "Units of the 24th Division are advancing toward Cartgara from Jaro and are now eight miles from the coast. Patrols in the 24th Corps sector are probing westward along mountain trails. Our forces behind the front lines are consolidating and establishing intermediate bases made necessary by the rapidity of our advance. “The mopping-up of small scattered enemy parties and snipers progresses. Enemy units near Dagami were surrounded and destroyed, while the reduction of the remaining enemy positions on Oatmon Hill is nearing completion Ineffective local counterattacks' and infiltration were encountered in the Seventh and 24th Division -sectors. •

“The enemy continues his efforts, at reinforcement under cover of darkness from Sebu to Leyte. Carrierbased planes strafed, destroyed .or damaged 20 enemy barges, at Ormoc Bay, on the west coast. Light naval units at night sank two luggers in Ormoc Bay and two lighters in Surigao Strait. Small-scale enemy air attacks continue. Eleven enemy planes were shot down.”