PHILIPPINES CAMPAIGN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25803, 26 March 1945, Page 6

PHILIPPINES CAMPAIGN

ADVANCES ON LUZON AIR OFFENSIVE MAINTAINED WASHINGTON, (Rec. 6.20 p.m.) Mar. 24. “In the Fourteenth Corps sector, elements of the Eleventh Airborne Division have advanced nine miles south of Batangas to a point on the Verde Island passage to clear completely the shores of Batangas Bay,” says General MacArthur’s communique. “In the Eleventh Corps sector the Sixth Division captured ridges between Mount Baytangan and Mount Yabang. Forty-third Division units crossed the Bosoboso River and advanced on Mount Belidbinan and Mesungitrock. "In the First Corps sector the Twenty-fifth and Thirty-second Divisions continued to reduce strongpoints in the Balete Pass and Villaverde corridors. They are fighting in the most difficult of the thicklyforested and mountainous terrain, with the enemy in prepared positions in cliff caves and dug-outs. Heavy rain and fog are hampering observation and movement.

“Heavy bombers, attack planes, and fighter-bombers hit installations in Cabu city and surrounding villages. Escorted heavies attacked Tainan aerodrome supply facilities and also the Okayama naval base on Formosa, destroying or damaging many planes on the ground, silencing gun positions, and scoring hits on hangars, warehouses, and railway trucks. There was no interception. “We continued from the air to blockade the supply lines between Japan and the occupied areas southward, leaving a 10,000-ton tanker on fire and apparently wrecked. Air patrols over north-west Borneo destroyed five small freighters in Brunei Bay and Miri, and bombed the Jesselton aerodrome and railway yards. “In the Wewak area our ground forces, advancing from the west, captured the Dagus airstrip and are now clearing the enemy from the ridges southward of. But. Heavies attacked coastal supply areas, and mediums, attack planes, and fighter-bombers hit other targets in the area. “ Enemy planes by night raided Biak airbase, causing some damage and casualties. Mediums and fighterbombers dropped 116 tons in attacking New Ireland plantations and bridges, Rabaul bivouac areas, and Bougainvill supply areas.”