Landing Party Of Japanese Wiped Out In The Solomons

Taranaki Daily News, 24 August 1942, Page 3

Landing Party Of Japanese Wiped Out In The Solomons

Successful wrecking operation in Gilbert Islands. Rec. 9.30 p.m. Pearl Harbour, Aug. 22. "g-INCE the initial United States landings in the Solomons a period of mopping up has been in progress in order to consolidate our positions," says a communique issued by Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander-in-C.hief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. "The Japanese defenders took to the hills and jungle to escape our forces. There have been daily skirmishes between manne patrols and enemy detachments in which both sides suffered casualties."

"On August 19 the marines wiped out ( a Japanese detachment of 92 officers and men who resisted to" the last man. The marihes lost six killed and 13 wounded. On the night of August 20 the enemy landed a force of about 700 wellequipped troops from high-speed boats outsid'e the marines' lines and attempted a break-through. During darkness only hand-to-hand fighting was possible but at dawri the marines were able to manoeuvre. While one -battalion held the front line another battalion moved to th'e flank and drove the withdrawing Japanese to the beach. Of the ,700 Japanese, 670 are dead and the rest prisoners. The marines lost' 28 killed and 72 wounded. "The marines in the Solomons . are under Major-General Alexander Vandegrift, who has added another page to history with their outstanding achievemeni" . • AJ Another communique issued by Aamiral* Nimitz says: "A marine force of the United States Pacific Fleet made; a successful landing on Makin Island on August 17 to destroy installations on this enemy seaplane base. (Makin Island, is at the top of the British-owned Gilbert Group). Their purpose was accomplished in its entirety and the force was withdrawn. At least 80 Japanese were killed, radio stores and installations destroyed and two seaplanes destroyed on the water. Other losses were inflicted on the. eiiemy by heavy bombing by " their own aircraft from other bases Which were attempting to assist them. Our ships, ffunned and sank a small transport and orie gunboat. "Considering the , nature of the operation our force suffered only moderate

losses. "Cpmmander John M. Haines, commanded the expedition. The. marines were led by Lieutenant-Colonel Evans F. Carfsbn with, Major James Roosevelt, who. is a son of the President, as second-in-comrriand; None of these officers is on the csaiialty list." Tokio radio declared that competent obseryers consider that "the complete frustrqtion, of the American attack on Makin Island showed without doubt who dominates the Pacific war front." These obscrvers regard the attack as a desperate Allied attempt to recoup and camouflage their losses in the Solomons. The Navy Department at Washington declined to comment on the Japanese assertions.