YARD BY YARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25202, 15 May 1945, Page 5

YARD BY YARD

OKINAWA GAINS AMERICANS' TASK terrific fire met CONSIDERABLE LOSSES fled. 6.30 p.m.) _ NEW YORK, May 13 Dogged persistence by advancing infantry, who often drew fire from five different angles, gained a few more precious yards on Okinawa, gays the New York Times correspondent on the island. Patrols reached the outskirts of Naha, but Shuri is apparently the centre of the Japanese defensive system and here the decisive battle for the island must be fought. _ "The progress of the infantrymen is 'difficult," savs the correspondent. "The Japanese are making us pay " heavily for every yard taken. We are fighting for high ground which has been subjected to a systematic continuous pounding from bombs, artillery and naval guns, but when the Americans attempt to advance as a group they are immediately brought under devas- : tating fire. Heavy Tank Losses "One hundred mortar bombs landed femong one regiment in four minutes. 'A tank company sent in to clean up pillboxes on a ridge with 21 tanks finished the day with only seven still serviceable. The Japanese are deeply entrenched on the reverse slopes of the hills, where they are protected from direct fire and bombs. "Our air force, which is unchallenged, struck all day in support of the troops with bombs and rockets. Ships from both sides of the island bombarded enemy areas. In spite ol this, the Japanese directed artillery and mortar fire into our lines with such volume and accuracy that it was impossible to move up supplies by truck to some forward elements, who had to receive ammunition, weapons and food from planes. "Marines report a new Japanese trick. They discovered that newly-dug Japanese trenches, in which they sheltered, were pinpointed by enemy mortars." Marine Company Suflers The United Press correspondent says that one marine company lost 50 per cent of its strength in the past two days in capturing high ground above Naha. It has taken three divisions 44 days to reach "Bloody Ridge," now known as "Iwo Jima," a distance of under nine miles from the landing beach. An attempted enemy landing behind the American lines in the Machinato airfield area was broken up and a number of enemy boats destroyed by ship and shore gunfire, says Admiral Nimitz's communique. Heavy fighting continued on Okinawa today as the Tenth Army continued to attack the approaches to Shuri. There are few changes in the western sector, where the 6th Marine Division is meeting stiff opposition. Marines are moving toward high ground protecting Shuri. An attack by the 24th Army Corps gained 300 yards on the right flank and 600 yards on the left flank. The 77th Division is meeting strong resistance in advancing on high ground east of Shuri. A) few enemy planes approached our forces on Okinawa early this morning, but caused no damage.

LAST LAP IN PACIFIC "ONE BIG HEAVE" NEEDED NEW DELHI, May 13 . "The present phase of the Pacific war is in the last lap." said Genera! Sir Uaude Auclnnleck, Commander-in-Chief, India, broadcasting to his troops. •He added: "In the Prinie Minister's *ords, all that is needed is one bio: heave. Initiative and overwhelming superiority in weapons lie with us and °ur Allies." AIR FORCE CHARGES (COMMISSIONER TO INQUIRE (Special Australian Correspondent) SYDNEY. May 13 The .Minister tor Air. Mr A. S. Drakeford, says that Mr J. V. Harry, K.C., has been appointed as Commissioner to inquire into.and report to him on matters relating to the alleged submission ot resignations by certain Royal ■Australian Air Force officers in a certain forward area." . Mr Drakeford said the matters to be investigated by the Commissioner covered allegations of unauthorised trading bv certain officers, and allegar°u S ma *?y Group-Captain C. R. Caldwell against certain senior officers alter a proposed court-martial. PHILIPPINES PROGRESS d. 6.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, May 13 Driving south along the central highly on Mindanao, Philippines, American forces captured Delmonte aerodrome, says General Mac Arthur's communique. The 31st Division, moving trorn the south, is' making steady gains Against moderate resistance. .The 24th •division in the Davao area scored adduces in the Talorno River sector. ' The Sixth Army on Luzon is keeping constant pressure in the Balete Pass •ector.