CODE BROKEN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21816, 12 September 1945, Page 3

CODE BROKEN

JAP. NAVY MESSAGES U.S. CYPHER EXPERTS YAMAMOTO’S DEATH NEW YORK. Sept. 10. The American intelligence broke the Japanese code and death resulted .*> April 1943 for Admiral Yamamoto, Commandor-m-Chief of the Japanese Navy. The code was cracked in March or April 1943. South Pacific headquarters knew in advance what time Admiral Yamamoto would leave Truk and arrive ; t Buka and leave Buka for Kahili and what route he was following. Six Lightning pilots volunteered <o make a direct attack while other Lightnings acted as decoys to draw otT Yamamoto's Zero escort.

The Americans flew to the rendezvous with the admiral who arrived, as anticipated, in a convoy of two bombers escorted by 20 Zeros. The decoys, flving at 13,000 ft., tried to lure off the Zeros, but the enemy would not be tempted. Two Lightnings peeled off at 24,000 ft.. and vertically dived through the decoys direct to the bombers, not knowing which held Admiral Yamamoto. One American almost collided with the first bomber and gave it a long burst and pulled up just as the bomber exploded. The Zeros were frantic but as they took after the first attacker the other American ’’need in, and gave the second bomber a long burst, after which it exploded. Then the Americans lit out for home, flying 10ft. above the water and doing all kinds of acrobatics to escape the vengeful Zeros, neither being shot down, but before they escaped they shot' down two Zeros. The Lightnings were badly shot up but managed to reach their base.

Japanese correspondents captured in the Philippines last July filled in the gaps by saying that Admiral Yamamoto was shot down over Shortland Island by American planes diving out of the sun. Admiral Yamamoto's charred body was found in a bomber seat, leaning forward with his chin on his samurai sword.