FIGHTING ON SAIPAN

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 230, 27 June 1944, Page 5

FIGHTING ON SAIPAN

Japanese Preparing For Last Stand (Received June 26, 9.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, June 25. American forces which penetrated the suburbs of Garapan now hold nearly half of Saipan, while the Japanese are «t--teiapting to consolidate positions along a horseshoe line north of Garapan for a last stand, says the Combined Press representative on Saipan Island. The blasting of intermediate Japanese islands has minimized the air threat to the American positions, but Mount Tapotchau is still a formidable obstacle, where the enemy’s units, hidden in wooded slopes, are holding out stubbornly behind mortar and artillery fire in terrain the radiating ridges of which offer excellent opportunity for defence. Meanwhile, American supply services for the troops ashore are performing miracles. They have increased the unloading capacity of the occupied beach 100 per eent., and have also repaired a Japanese narrow gauge railway, the main section of which will be in full operation soon, with rolling stock, four locomotives, and 60 wagons. “On Saturday, marines and army troops on Saipan launched an attack preceded by intense artillery and naval gun preparation, resulting in an advance on the western flank round Tapotchau ranging from 500 to 800 yards,” reports a Pacific Fleet communique. “Strong enemy opposition continues. The euemy dropped bombs among our transports off Saipan on Friday, doing minor damage to several landing craft. The same, evening enemy planes dropped bombs in the area occupied by the American forces on Saipan, causing high casualties. “Liberators bombed Truk on Friday; and army, navy and marine aircraft continued the reduction of the enemy's defences in the Marshalls and Carolines.” Tokio radio declared: “The Mariannes are in grave danger because the Americans have 20 aircraft-carriers, 10 battleships and more than 100 supply ships nearby.”