Palau Damage Greater Thau First Thought

Northern Advocate, 14 April 1944, Page 3

Palau Damage Greater Thau First Thought

NEW YORK. April 13.

“After studying many pictures brought back from Palau, high-ranking naval officers reported that damage caused by the United States task force is considerably greater than at first believed.” says the “New York Times” correspondent: with the Pacific Fleet. “Officers believe that the enemy has been dealt a crushing blow in the Palau operations and emphasised that the navy’s new policy of command has been altered to conform to the changing nature of Pacific naval warfare. Battleship admirals are no longer leading carriers into battle. Admiral-aviators now have a stellar role. For example. Vice-Admiral Mitselter led the Palau task force which divided into groups, each commanded by relatively young rear-armiral-aviators. Of course, when the Japanese fleet is cornered and forced into action, battleship admirals will have their day.

"Japan has been hampered by a critical shipping shortage for a long time. The Palau raid has deducted at least another 100,000 tons. Furthermore, she cannot replace plane losses. Approximately 50 per cent, of first-line Japanese fighters have been destroyed in the past six months." Kuriles and Marshalls

Liberators bombed Matsuwa and Onekotan in the Kuriles on Monday, says a Pacific Fleet communique. Other Liberators bombed Moen and Dublon in Truk atoll. Fires were started in Dublon town and a large explosion was observed. Moen airstrip was hit. A single Liberator bombed Ponape Island, while Mitchells bombed Ponape airfield, hitting runways. Other bombers bombed and sti’afed four objectives in the Marshalls.