Progress in Pacific Islands Campaign

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 110, 11 May 1945, Page 5

Progress in Pacific Islands Campaign

Received Thursday, 8 p.m. * WASHINGTON, May 9. “Sweeping across Davao Gulf In a shore movement units of the Twentyfourth Division landed on Samal off the Mindanao mainland,” says General MacArthur’s communique. “They are rapidly clearing the island. Strong pressure Is being exerted on the enemy’s positions In the Talomo River area. A bridgehead has been established across the river north of MlntaL The Thirtyfirst Division thrust seven miles eastward from Kibawe while our northern spearhead ia engaging an enemy force near the Southern Maramag airstrip. “Our ground forces with heavy air support carried on mopplng-up operations along our Northern Luzon front and continued to advance toward 110 ia the central sector. “On Tarakan our forces secured Apt Hill north of the airfield and are advancing on the Djoeata oilfields. “Bombers and fighters struck at Kudat aerodrome and port installation! in Brunei Bay, Min and Bandjermasin. Widespread destruction waa reported at shipyards and runways. The entire waterfront at Labuan Island was left in flames with smoke rising to 6000 feet. Search planes sweeping the shore lines sank three coastal vessels. “Patrol planes attacked Formoaa and escorted heavy and medium bombers raided Saigon. Our sea blockading planes ranged from Sumatra to Shanghai, sinking a destroyer, a sub-chaser and two freighters. Heavy bombers attacked aerodromes In the Southern Celebes. Patrol planes attacked shipping in the coastal sectors of the Netherlands East Indies. Neutralising attacks In New Guinea, Bismarck and the Solomons continued.” Admiral Nlmltz’a communique states that aircraft and ships’ guns continued to support Tenth Army troops on Southern Okinawa yesterday. The adverse weather continued. Troops continued to move southwards to-day. Our Okinawa casualties to May 7 comprise 2684 killed, 13,202 wounded and 539 missing. Aircraft from carriers of the British Pacific Fleet bombed the Sakishimas, destroying two planes on the ground and shooting down another. Two units of the British force suffered minor damage during an air raid but remained operational. Their aircraft attacked Klsarazu airfield and Tateyama naval air station southeast of Tokio, also Marcus, Truk and Palaus.