Communist Drive For Taegu, Key To United Nations Defences In Korea, Appears To Be Held

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 September 1950, Page 5

Communist Drive For Taegu, Key To United Nations Defences In Korea, Appears To Be Held

TOKIO, Sept. 7 (Reed. 10.45 p.m.)—The North Korean drive against the United Nations northern front was almost halted today under a battering by planes and troop reinforcements.

The enemy gained ground in only one sector, and that was less than a mile. The gain was made against South Koreans about two miles south of Angangni.

United Nations forces along the rest of the 40-mile line were holding their ground. The enemy probed the United States 25th. Division’s lines guarding Masan in the south, but failed to gain ground.

An assault on the north-eastern hinge of the I/hited Nations line was launched from the walled city of Kasan, but the defenders are reported to be holding the enemy. The Ist. Cavalry Division’s defences in this sector were said to be seven or eight miles north of Taegu, nerve centre of the entire Allied war effort. Troops of the American 24th. Division were rushed to the northern front to fill a gap in the lines caused by the enemy thrust down the valley west of Pohang. They wrested the initiative from the North Koreans and pushed ahead another mile and a-halt. The Americans continued to clear enemy bands out of the area southwest of /Zigangni. Elements of the United States 24th. Division drove five miles north of Kyonj-ii a vital railway highway junction, against light resistance. South Korean troops attacked north-west near Angangni, and another South Korean force drove north-east from Yongchon. One report said South Koreans recaptured Yongchon early today. Attacks were strongly suppoited by fighter planes and light bxnbocs. The objective was the establishment of a firm northern front anchored on the

sea below fallen Pohang. Allied planes pounded Pohang while Americans dug in for defence of an important air-strip six miles south.