Staff Reports Pacific Daily News USA TODAY Network Published 12:27 AM EDT Jul 15, 2019 On July 15, 1944, 30 villagers from Merizo were rounded up and sent to a cave in the Tinta area of Merizo, where 16 were killed by Japanese soldiers. With American ships gathered off the shores of Guam, reconnaissance teams making excursions into the bays and airplanes bombing defensive positions, an invasion and battle was inevitable. The Japanese had concentrated civilians into designated camps, and CHamorus were being forced to work for the Japanese military. Manuel Charfauros, one of the survivors of the Tinta massacres, described the desperate situation in Merizo in Tony Palomo's book, "An Island in Agony." He said the 30 men and women were told they were being selected for a work detail and they were brought to the cave. "A chill of fear stirred the roots of my hair as I sensed imminent danger," Charfauros said. "Just as I thought of escaping, the Japanese officer threw a hand … [Read more...] about 75 years ago today: July 15, 1944
13 years ago today
75 years ago today: July 13, 1944
Staff Reports Pacific Daily News USA TODAY Network Published 10:01 AM EDT Jul 12, 2019 On July 13, 1944, while the American bombardment of Guam continued, Marines in the Northern Marianas secured Managaha Island off the coast of Saipan. A July 15, 1944, news release from Commander-in-Chief Pacific Fleet described the situation on Guam. "Guam and Rota Islands were attacked by carrier aircraft of a fast carrier task group on July 13 (West Longitude Date). Bombs and rockets set fire to buildings and ammunition dumps, and damaged storage facilities, gun positions, and other defense installations. We lost no aircraft." With civilians forced into concentration camps on Guam, the Japanese were preparing their defense for the inevitable invasion of the island. To the north, American forces were still contending with combatants on Saipan a few days after that battle ended. An Army memo noted that "mopping up operations on Saipan continued 13 July." On Managaha, "light … [Read more...] about 75 years ago today: July 13, 1944
77 years ago today, Malta received the George Cross
On this day, 77 years ago, the Maltese people were, as King George VI said: "to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history", and awarded the George Cross. It's an award that many see as symbolising the bravery and heroism of the men and women who lived and suffered through World War Two, when Malta became the most bombed place on the planet. One of Malta's main selling points for foreign occupiers was always its strategic position. Placed slap-bang in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, leaders and powers from all across Europe recognised Malta's importance. The Knights used the island as their home and their naval base, Napoleon Bonaparte once said that he would prefer having the British in one of the suburbs of Paris rather than in Malta, and the British made Malta a hub for their Mediterranean fleet. It was therefore only natural that with the Second World War expanding to include North Africa and the greater extent of the Mediterranean, … [Read more...] about 77 years ago today, Malta received the George Cross
Jallianwala Bagh massacre – what happened in Amritsar 100 years ago and what has Theresa May said about it?
ON this day 100 years ago, hundreds of Indian civilians were killed by British troops in Amritsar. But what is the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, how many people were killed and what has the Prime Minister said about it? Here's what we know. What is the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre? Also known as the Amritsar Massacre, the event is known as one of the most shameful moments in British history. On April 13, 1919 (100 years ago today), troops of the British Indian Army fired rifles into a crowd of Indians who had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab. They had gathered for a peaceful protest to condemn the arrest and deportation of two national leaders Satya Pal and Saifuddin Kitchlew. Under the command of Colonel Reginald Dyer villagers, who had gathered for the day of Baisakhi, were shot and killed. How many people were killed? Dyer stated in a Report to the General Officer Commanding that “I hear that between 200 and 300 of the crowd were killed." He claims 1,650 rounds were … [Read more...] about Jallianwala Bagh massacre – what happened in Amritsar 100 years ago and what has Theresa May said about it?
Kym Marsh marks 13 years on Coronation Street as she prepares to leave
Kym Marsh made her debut on Coronation Street 13 years ago this week. The soap star, who is preparing to leave the long-running programme after more than a decade, posted a throwback snap of herself arriving on the famous cobbles as Michelle Connor. A fresh-faced Kym, now 42, marked the momentous occasion pointing out that she couldn't believe how young she looked. The NTA award winner announced in February that she was quitting the soap as she was keen to try something new. Corrie bosses are said to be packing the fan favourite's script with an explosive exit including a heartbreaking baby twist as Michelle suffers another failed pregnancy. Kym said of her memories on Weatherfield: "13 years ago today I made my @coronationstreet debut!!! "What a 13 years that has been! Thank you so much for the great times, the things I’ve learned and the opportunities I have been given in playing Michelle Connor!! ps: look how young I look." The 42-year-old stunned fans when she announced … [Read more...] about Kym Marsh marks 13 years on Coronation Street as she prepares to leave