DEFENCE LINE BROKEN

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23226, 13 June 1945, Page 5

DEFENCE LINE BROKEN

Japanese Trapped In Two Pockets Progress On Okinawa By Telegraph—N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright (10.40 p.m.) NEW YORK, June 11. “The last Japanese defence on Okinawa runs along the Jaejudake escarpment, says the correspondent of the “New York Times” at Guam “We gained a position on the top of the escarpment at two points. They are only small positions, but can be expanded, and their capture meant the breaking of the Japanese line.” General Simon B. Bruckner, in demanding that the Japanese on Okinawa surrender, pointed out that the Japanese are trapped in two pockets and that annihilation was certain unless they capitulated. It was disclosed to-day for the first time that the Japanese had resorted to the use of painfully lethal phosphorus shells in their fierce defence of the escarpment. These shells, used as an anti-personnel weapon, cause burns which are quickly fatal. It is reported from Okinawa that the Japanese commander ignored Buckner’s ultimatum, three copies of which were dropped by planes near the cave believed to be the enemy’s headquarters. Admiral Nimitz’s Communique The Tenth Army made substantial progress to-day against enemy pockets on Oroku Peninsula and fortified positions in Southern Okinawa. Meeting heavy fire in all areas our troops made important advances in both sectors, says Admiral* Nimitz’s communique. The Sixth Marine Division captured two hills north-east of Tomigusuku and made attacks which reduced the enemy-controlled area on Oroku Peninsula to a pocket on the south bank of Naha Harbour. Japanese marines and naval landing forces in this pocket continue to resist strongly. In southern Okinawa the First Marine Division’s right flank advanced about 650 yards along the coast against light resistance. The division’s left flank moved up about 400 yards to a hill west of Ozato. The 96th Infantry Division, fighting off numerous attacks by defenders in caves, gained control of a small area on top of Jaejudake escarpment about 600 yards south of Yunagusuku. Tanks knocked out enemy emplacements. With tank support the 32nd Regiment of the Seventh Division occupied the summit of a hill south-west of Hangagusuku, overcoming bitter resistance, artillery fire being brought to bear on the escarpment before the seventh division front. Lieutenant-General Simon B. Bruckner called upon the commander of the enemy force to surrender. Search seaplanes damaged two luggers in the Yellow Sea. The fleet air wing sank 108,480 tons of shipping in the same period, destroyed 31 enemy aircraft and damaged 20 others. Other aircraft sank a small cargo ship and other small shipping off Honshu, damaged four small ships off Paramushiro and also bombed targets at Paramushiro, Onekotan Island and Araido Island. In minor enemy aircraft activity over Okinawa we destroyed three attacking planes. Corsairs swept the airfields at Kyushu, destroying 11 planes on the ground and one in the air.