JAP. SHIP LOSSES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21604, 5 January 1945, Page 3

JAP. SHIP LOSSES

25 SUNK OR DAMAGED AIR ATTACKS OFF LUZON DESTRUCTION ON ISLAND 1 10 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Jan. 4. Attack bombers and heavy patrols swept, enemy shipping along the west coast of Luzon island from north to south and sank or set on fire 25 ships, comprising a 7000-ton transport, a 0000-ton freighter, 21 smaller freighters, and two large trawlers, says General MacArlhur’s communique. Medium and light bombers ranged south of Luzon from Legaspi to Batangas. hitting railway installations, reservoirs, barracks and barges along the coast. Escorted heavy units again struck at Clark Field and shot down II of the 20 planes which attempted interception for the loss of one. American troops, in shore-to-shore operations, landed on both the eastern and western coasts of Mindoro island. "Flak’’ and fighters shot ciown eight enemy planes. Medium bombers ancl fighters bombed and strafed Negros Island aerodromes, starting fires in the supply and personnel areas. A total of 1287 of the enemy were killed on Leyte Island during the day. Light naval units patrolling adjacent waters sank five coastal vessels and a launch. Enemy planes before dawn attacked airfield installations. “Flak" shot down one. The Americans suffered some damage. Air patrols bombed shipyards and warehouses at Sandakan, destroyed buildings and started fires. "Flak” shot down one American plane. Medium and fighter-bombers hit runways, barracks, guu positions, oil-storage tanks and started fires in the Manacia area in the Celebes. They sank a coastal vessel off the east coast of the Celebes and harassed installations eastward of Makassar. Heavy and medium bombers, carrying 90 tons of bombs, struck at aerodromes, encampments and supply dumps at Miti, Galelawasile and Djililo and hit ammunition clumps. Other planes bombed Namlea, Haroekoe and Kairote effectively. The Americans lost three bombers.