AIR OPPOSITION IN NEW GUINEA

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 33, 3 November 1942, Page 5

AIR OPPOSITION IN NEW GUINEA

Strengthened Force LIGHT RESISTANCE ON LAND (By Telegraph.—Press Assn, —Copyright.) ({special Australian Correspondent.) (Received November 2, 10.50 p.m.) .SYDNEY, November 2. Allied ground forces in New Guinea are no.w only' six miles (map distance) from Kokoda, and are still driving on, No serious fighting has been reported in the past few days. The latest communique from General' MacArthur's headquarters reports that our troops are “well beyond” Isurava and Abtirai. The Japanese have at last resumed fairly extensive air activity in the New Guinea theatre, nnd they have re-estub-llshed considerable fighter strength in the area, presumably to protect their north Papuan bases and the Owen Stanley supply line from the relentless Allied bombing. One force of 20 Zeros yesterday dashed with a strong formation of Allied attack units and lighters. Three of the Zeros were shot down aud one of our fighters is missing. Oqr inydium bombers raided Lqe before dawn yesterday, dropping 10 rotis of bombs on runways, supply dumps and dispersal areas, and starting large fires. Over Buna an Allied medium reconnaissance unit was intercepted by seven Zeros, but these were successfully fought off. Three Japanese planes made a night raid on Bort Moresby, but caused no damage.