Nimitz Prepared To Blast Japanese From Central Pacific

Northern Advocate, 24 September 1943, Page 5

Nimitz Prepared To Blast Japanese From Central Pacific

PEARL HARBOUR, Sept. 23 Detailing the results of the week-

end raids on the Gilbert Islands, Admiral Nimitz disclosed that a carrier task foroe, in collaboration with landbased army and navy bombers, damaged four Japanese bases, losing only four fighters despite heavy anti-air-craft fire arid attempted interception > by enemy fighters. The raiders made more than 200

sorties against Tarawa, Makin, Pamq. Apamama and Nauru during Saturdaynight and Sunday.

The. communique, listed damage as

follows: —

Tarawa: Aerodrome facilities heavily damaged, eight bombers destroyed on runway, one small vessel sunk, Makin: Airbase damaged, three four-engined seaplanes and patrol plane destroyed. Apamama: Camp installations heavily hit. Nauru: Installations damaged. Face Constant Bombing

In addition to destroying aircraft on the ground, our forces shot down six Zeros, probably shot down four others, damaged eight fighters and shot down two medium bombers. The “New York Times” Pearl Harbour correspondent says the communique indicated that the Japanese have considerably enlarged their Central Facific bases since the last American operations more . than a year ago. It is also inferred that the Japanese in the Marshalls and Gilberts now face constant bombardment from American aerodromes established in islands within flying range. It is regarded as significant 'that a carrier task force could venture boldly in these waters which heretofore were considered enemy-controlled. . Army bombers participating probably* took off fom Funafuti, which was used in previous aids against Tarawa. Planes bombing Nauru may have come from Guadalcanal'. ,

The entire operation is taken as an indication that Admiral Nimitz is prepared to blast the Japanese from the Central- Pacific and push them back to Truk in conjunction with General MacArthur’s forces. Such an accomplishment would leave the allied supply lines from Hawaii to New Zealand and Australia free from any threat except submarines and at the same time confining the Japanese to a shortened inner defence perimeter. Shape cf Things to Come

' The recent attacks against Marcus and Gilbert Islands are only the shape of things to come, said Admiral King addressing the American Legion Convention. He added that the navy's aim was shattering blows against the enemy with all weapons that can be brought to bear.

synchronised and co-ordinated with an overwhelming assault. He emphasised the - importance of the navy's swiftly growing air arm now

striking hard against enemy bases, particularly in the Pacific.