ENIWETOK ISLAND

Grey River Argus, 25 February 1944, Page 5

ENIWETOK ISLAND

Stubborn Jap Stand

WASHINGTON, Feb 23. An Associated Press correspondent aboard the American flagship said: "The ‘fighting on Enjwetok Island differed from all previous actions in the Gilberts and Marshalls because of less naval artillery preparation. Many trees remained upright, contrasting with the complete destruction which spread over Kwajalein, Roi, and Engebi. Our Marines and soldiers had to root the Japanese out of the deepest underbush and contend with snipers nesting in palm tops among the coconuts. The Japanese strongly, defended the. western tip of the island with pill-boxes and mortars, and even foolishly challenged seven Marine tanks with two light tanks and expired in a five-minute battle. The Japanese resistance was light in the central part of the island, but the American advance was very slow at the eastern end, where the troops, labouring through thick underbush, were harried by Japanese emerging from tunnels on their flank. Even before the complete conquest of Eniwetok naval guns were turned against Parry Island, preparing for complete occupation of the atoll.’’ Parry Island Taken 12 HOURS LAND FIGHTING (Rec 9.5) NEW YORK, Feb. 24. The capture of Parry Island, completing the total conquest of Eniwetok, required only 12 h ° u £? fighting. Mannes landed at daylight and by dusk they controlled the entire island. Parry an important Japanese radio station.