SAIPAN’S HIGH COST

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 236, 3 July 1944, Page 5

SAIPAN’S HIGH COST

Felt Not Exorbitant For Such A Bastion (Received July 2, 9.45 p.m.) WASHINGTON, July 2. The “New York Tinies” Pearl Harbour correspomlcnt says the casualty figures for Saipan, totalling 9752, which are three times tliost at Tarawa, demonstrate that the cost of Saipan is in accordance with its worth as one of the bastions guarding the heart, of Japan. While the price is high, it is not considered exorbitant. It was anticipated that the battle for the Mariannes would bo a test of American sturdiness and valour exceeding anything in the Pacific war. However, the casualty, rate henceforth is expected to decline, since the original enemy garrison of between 20,000 and 30,000 has been greatly reduced and the capture of valuable heights in the centre cf Hie island enables us to inflict mounting punishment on the thinning enemy ranks. Presumably, the majority of the American casualties resulted from mortar and artillery lire, since the initial landings were relatively lightly opposed. Tlie casualties on Saipan, announced bv Admiral Niniitz, were 9752 up to June 28. Of these 1474 wre killed and <4OO wounded. Missing totalled 878. Army, Navy and Marine Corps flyers destroyed more than 12,000 Japanese planes in the air or on the ground from Pearl Harbour to May 15. 1911, says a Navy Department announcement. Tlie American losses were 2726 planes. However. 65 per cent, of the Navy airmen shot down had been rescued. Th” figures do not include Japanese planes shot dowu by flak. Small Gains Made.

The Pacific fleet communique says the American forces consolidating their positions on Saipan on Thursday wiped out several pockets of resistance previously by-passed. “We made small gains on the cenlrnl sector of our lines. Enemy plain’s bombed the are:' occupied by our forces. One plane was shot down. Mi’ are continuing bombing and naval shelling enemy gun positiims on Tinian Island. Carrier aircraft bumbl'd buildings and runways OH Rota Island. Navy Venturas bombed I'aramiishiro and Sliumushu, in the Kuriles. wilhout iiitorooption. All the aircraft returned.” Both in the centre and ou the right flank our lines nrc pushing ahead through difficult terrain and intensified enemy resistance, said iin earlier communique. High ground occupied near Charnn mid Danshii places our forces in a commanding position over the area bold by enemv st I'ong-poinls. No aeeiirnte estimate of the enemy casualties is possible. A great many Japanese dead and wounded arc being carried back by th” retreating enemy troops. However, our troops bare buried 4951 euemy dead.