Fanatical Jap Resistance on Iwo Jima

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 45, 22 February 1945, Page 5

Fanatical Jap Resistance on Iwo Jima

Terrific Fight Looms Ahead ___ «r Tough, Wily and Experienced Enemy United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Wednesday, 10.50 p.m. *• GUAM, February 21. Rocket planes have been thrown in to blast the Japanese from their cave-like forts in Iwo Jima where the grim battle Is now in its third day. Correspondents watching the struggle say that the 15,000 Japanese on the island are offering the most fanatical resistance of the Pacific war. The Associated Press’s correspondent reports that the invasion is ahead of schedule despite the unprecedented ferocity of the enemy’s resistance. The plans called for the capture of Mcrtoyama airfield by the end of the second day. Actually the field wae taken 24 hours after landing. A terrific fight looms at the north end of the island on the plateau where the bulk of tbe enemy garrison is located. However, the enemy defending Mount Surlbachi have been isolated and are facing extinction. The New York Times’ correspondent says the Japanese still hold the highest ground. They are relying on their artillery which commands our positions and are avoiding the commitment of their tanks and manpower. The enemy suffered the minimum losses in the initial assault while the American losses were severe in some sectors although not as heavy as expected. A Navy air observation officer said the east shore was Uttered with wrecked landing barges for a distance of a quarter to half a mile. Great quantities of stores were got ashore but some piles of supplies were burning. The Japanese on Iwo Jima are not terror-stricken. They are tough, wily and experienced and know every trick in the book concerning defensive fighting.

“The Marines made slight gains northward of the southern airfield on Iwo Jima this afternoon and by 6 p.m. they were consolidating their position in the face of heavy mortar, artillery and some rocket fire,” says a Pacific Ocean Areas communique. * * The Marines who were attacking Mount Suribachi in the south met stiff opposition. A large proportion of our artillery is now ashore and in position to support both flanks of the beachhead. “The Pacific Fleet continued to shell enemy defences with close-in lire support concentrated on numerous caves and strongpoints from which the enemy is bringing the northern end of the beachheads under heavy artillery and mortar fire. Over 8000 tons of ammunition have been expended by naval gunfire so far. “Carrier aircraft continued intensive attacks throughout the afternoon although the operations have been handicapped by rain, low cloud and poor visibility. Supplies are going ashore satisfactorily. No estimate of casualties is yet available.