JAPANESE ISLANDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25803, 26 March 1945, Page 5

JAPANESE ISLANDS

SEA AND AIR ATTACKS WASHINGTON, (Rec. 7.45 p.m.) Mar. 24. After the destructive attacks against objectives in the Inland Sea on March 19, the fighting between carrier-based aircraft operating in Japanese home waters and the enemy air force based on Kyushu, Shikoku and Honshu continued on March 20 and 21, says Admiral Nimitz’s communique.

Although complete details are not yet available, reports show that large numbers of Japanese aircraft were shot down both by fighters and flak during the afternoon of March 21. Approximately 50 enemy aircraft were shot down in one encounter, with the loss of 3 of our fighters. During this fighting one of our destroyers was seriously damaged and one larger unit received minor damage. Yesterday and to-day, in bad weather, Pacific Fleet units struck at objectives at Rqyukus, including aircraft, shipping, aerodromes, and installations in Kerama and Retto. At Okinawa Shima and at Minamiditi

Shima carrier aircraft destroyed som« enemy shipping and damaged numerous small craft. Fast battleships attacked coastal objectives with heavy guns. Mustangs based on Iwo Jima attacked targets at Chichi Jima to-day. Marine aircraft damaged the causeway between Kcror and Babelthuap, in the Palaus, setting fife to supply dumps elsewhere in the island.

During the week March 11 to 17 garrison forces killed 51 and took' 16 prisoners on Saipan, Tinian, Guam, and Peleliu. Navy search planes bombed Wake Island yesterday, and neutralising attacks on the Marshalls were continued.