LANDING ATTEMPTS

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 290, 5 September 1942, Page 7

LANDING ATTEMPTS

Small Enemy Forces In South Solomons MARINES STRENGTHENED (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received Sept. 4, 8.35 p.m.) WASHINGTON, September 3. A communique issued by the Navy Department states: “The Japanese have made several new attempts to land and establish small detachments of troops on various islands in the south-eastern Solomons. American land-based aircraft operating from Guadalcanal attacked ships engaged in these landing operations and scored several hits, but the extent of the damage inflicted is unr known. “Parties which succeeded in landing were engaged by the Marines.

“Yesterday morning a Flying Fortress bombed and set fire to an enemy tanker or seaplane tender north of Isabel Island.

"At the same time 18 Japanese bombers, escorted by fighters, attacked American Installations on Guadalcanal. American fighters shot down three of the enemy bombers and four fighters while our flak brought down one additonal fighter. "The damage done to our positions was minor. In spite of periodical attacks by enemy aircraft our positions in the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area are steadily being reinforced and strengthened.”

ALLIED AIR RAIDS IN SOLOMONS Papua Fairly Quiet

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.)

(Special Australian Correspondent.)

(Received September 4, 11.45 p.m.) SYDNEY, September 4.

The Allied air force in the southwest Pacific yesterday extended its raids against Japanese bases in the northern Solomons. Targets on Buka, Bougainville, and Falsi were all attacked. Following the previous day’s heavy raids on Buka, enemy airfields were our main objectives, the raids being no doubt designed to hamper the renewed Japanese operations against the American-occupied islands in the south-east Solomons.

In a dawn raid on Buka an Allied medium bomber unit scored four direct hits on aerodrome fuel dumps, starting fires. At Kieta, enemy installations on landing-grounds were attacked with, unknown results. An Allied offensive-reconnaissance unit strafed an enemy flying-boat in Faisi harbour.

Kieta is the administrative Capital of Bougainville Island, one of the largest of the Solomons group. Kieta is important base (both for land--based and sea aircraft, while JTaisi is a seaplane base. Buka, the chief enejny base in the northern Solomons; is strongly fortified. Though Japanese aircraft have been active against positions in the American-occupied islands of the group, their offensive lull in the ureas under General 'MacArthur’s command continues, and no enemy attempts to intercept the raiding Allied: aircraft have been reported.

Fiercer Fighting Likely.

The only Allied ground activity yesterday was the continuation of guerrilla mopping-up operations in Milne Bay.

Commentators here continue to emphasize that fiercer fighting both in New Guinea and the Solomons must be expected. Referring to the Japanese land push toward Port Moresby from Kokoda, the "Sydney Morning Herald” says: “It is hard to believe that the enemy will not sooner or later attempt to support his land approach by naval action in force from one side or both sides of the sea passage between Australia and New Guinea.” . The paper emphasizes the “ant-like pertinacity of the Japanese in penetrating difficult country,” and says that our air superiority over New Guinea has hot shaken their hold on the Buna-Kokoda supply route, though it has delayed enemy progress. The Australian opinion that the south Pacific is on the eve of major battles is supported from the United Ktates by the “New York Times,” which, commenting on the fighting in New Guinea, says that Tokio intended to offset the Allies’ victory in the Kolomons by a full-scale descent on Port Moresby, but their efforts were scotched when they fell into General MacArthur’s trap at Milne Bay. The paper stresses that time marches on the Allies’ side in the South Seas and says that if Japan is to have any hope of success she must strike again soon. “Promise To Hitler.”

Other American commentators believe Japan may be embarrassed in the south Pacific by a pledge which Tokio is reported to have given to Hitler to move against Siberia when the Nazis reach the Volga. The New York “Herald-Tribune” says that rumours are insistent that Japan will attack Russia before September 19 at the latest. “Such an attack would carry a great menace, and also a great opportunity if America immediately,throws air and sea power into Vladivostok, from where we could really hit Japan,” says the paper, “We were caught unprepared at Pearl Harbour and in the Philippines, but if war breaks in Siberia there will bo no excuse for inertia and unpreparedness.” The paper adds that the United Nations would also, have an improved opportunity of broadening their offensive in the south Pacific.

JAPANESE WEAPONS Studied In Australia

(Received September 4, 7 p.m.) SYDNEY, September 3.

Japanese war equipment captured at Milne Bay is now being studied by Allied military technicians in Australia. It bears the anchor symbol of the Japanese navy, indicating that it was used by marine assault troops. Technicians say the equipment is comprehensive, but that some is of poor quality. The things flown from Milne Bay to Australia include a gas mask, rifles, submachineguns, a flame-thrower, and grenades. The gas mask is much inferior to the standard British and American types. The automatic rifles are old models, limited to about 130 rounds a minute sustained fire. The flame-thrower is capable of throwing flame 30 feet. It would weigh 701 b. when ready to use. Other automatic weapons captured included a light gun similar to the Bren, but of smaller calibre, and a tank gun with telescopic sighting attached. The Japanese tommy-gun is a replica of the German Steyr-Solothurn, a short-barrelled weapon with a 500 yards range. The thoroughness with which the Japanese troops are fitted out is shown by the assortment of articles found in a soldier’s haversack. It contained a phial of anti-mosquito grease, a small camouflage net, field dressings, and a tin containing concentrated food. One of the most interesting articles was a water purifier. It consisted of a long narrow tube with a composition box. The end of the box was perforated, and presumably sucking water through this apparatus ensured its purification. Accompanying the purifier was a box of chemical tablets. It has also been revealed that Japanese planes which were shot down at Port Moresby are being brought back to Australia for salvage purposes. Aluminium and other metals . will be used in building Australian-made planes. .