U.S. CARRIERS IN ACTION

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 282, 27 August 1942, Page 5

U.S. CARRIERS IN ACTION

Mauling Of Enemy Fleet

(By Telegraph.—Press .assn.—Copyright.) WASHINGTON, August 25.

A navy communique states: “United States naval and air forces are engaged in a large-scale battle, in an attempt to repel a strong Japanese striking force which approached the southeastern group of the Solomon Islands from the north-east. “It was expected that our occupation of the important enemy base at Tulagi would be countered by a violent attempt by the enemy to recapture their shore bases in thi= area. This counter-attack has developed, and is now being met. “Preliminary reports indicate that the enemy striking force has been attacked by United States Army Plying Fortresses and that our carrier-based naval aircraft are in action. Army bombers attacked a large Japanese carrier and reported four hits. United States carrier aircraft attacked and severely damaged a smaller Japanese carrier, the Ryuzyo. Several enemy cruisers and a battleship have also been hit by our carrier planes. “During Sunday afternoon a strong enemy • air attack on Guadalcanal Island was intercepted by our fighters and at least 21 euemy aircraft were shot down. Our losses in this action were minor. During the night of August 23-24 enemy destroyers shelled our shore positions on Guadalcanal. On Monday United States aircraft hit and damaged an euemy transport and a cruiser northward of Guadalcanal, and left both ships burning fiercely.; The action continues.”