FORCED FROM HEIGHTS

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 20, 19 October 1942, Page 6

FORCED FROM HEIGHTS

Japanese In Owen Stanley Ranges FIERCE FIGHTING

(By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) (Received October 18, 8.45 p.m.) SYDNEY, October 18. . Australian troops in New Guinea’s Owen. Stanley Ranges have driven the Japanese from their positions near Templeton’s Crossing on the northern side of the'gap. This is revealed in the latest communique from General MacArthur’s headquarters. The first Japanese withdrawal was on Friday, but no official Allied claims were made. The latest information makes it clear, however, that this strategic area of mountain heights is now back in Allied hands. No indication has been given of whether the enemy's withdrawal from Templeton’s Crossing means that they have entirely vacated the ranges. However, it is widely believed among - war commentators that, once the Japanese were forced from their positions in the heights, they would withdraw at least to the flat country round Kokoda, 12 miles by trail and 5000 feet below Templeton’s Crossing. For some days before this further enemy retreat, Australian, troops had been in steady contact with the Japanese and fierce fighting occurred. Both sides employed mortars, with the Australians making strong • frontal and' flanking attacks. The enemy defences were in considerable depth in rough, rocky country covered with jungle much lighter than on the lower slopes of the mountains. x Deadly Grenades. The advancing Australians are reported to have found hand grenades tlie mose effective weapon against the Japanese hidden, in their artfully concealed foxholes. High tribute is paid to the doctors and' medical orderlies accompanying the Australian advance. Frequently, doctors have worked ankle deep in . mud,' operating on wounded men in grass huts lighted only by dimmed kerosene lamps. Enormous problems of supply have also been overcome to reach an area six days normal trail distance from the head of the road at Port Moresby. Commenting on this important success in the New Guinea campaign, the Sydney “Sun” ' war correspondent writes H‘‘The early quick advance and reports of small casualties and apparent absence of Japanese in strength may have led to the belief that this has been an easy campaign. But every man who has trodden the track through the, jungle, slept tired and‘muscle-torn iu wet clothes, ■ lived for weeks on iron rations and suffered incredible discomforts, has suffered hardships as great <as those faced by any early explorers. .To these have been added Japanese tree top snipers, ‘active skirmishes and aggressive flank patrols’ of the communiques and direct attacks against mortar and machinegun positions.” . Allied aircraft have continued strafing attacks in the Buna-Kokoda area. Japanese positions near Mubo village, inland from Salamaua, have also been bomibed and armed reconnaissance planes machinegunned enemy occupied villages at the mouth and in the valley of the Mambare Biver, 50 miles north-west ’of Buna. Reports of these, air activities indicate some spread of the Japanese occupation of the northern New Guinea coastline.