KOKODA WON

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 34, 4 November 1942, Page 5

KOKODA WON

No Fresh Iroops For Enemy CONVOY RETIRES

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn—Copyright ) (Special Australian Correspondent.! (Received November 3, 10.50 p.m.) SYDNEY, November 3. Kokoda has been recaptured by Allied troops, and the Japanese are retreating toward the north Papuan coast. A desperate attempt by the enemy to reinforce Buna with troops estimated to number 7000 has been frustrated by Allied bombers, which battered a convoy, forcing it to retire to the north. • The Allies have thus achieved their most important successes of the Papuan campaign. The Japanese convoy, which Attempted the first large-scale reinforcement of the Buna garrison, comprised two troop transports of about 12,000 and 10,000 tons, lightly protected by a cruiser, a destroyer, and nine Zero fighters.

Three raids by Allied medium and heavy bombers —at dawn, mid-after-noon and dusk —forced the convoy to retire after near-misses had caused certain damage to both transports. Later reconnaissance showed that one of the relief ships was burning off Gasmata, on the south coast of New Britain. Double Land Thrust. Kokoda was first mentioned in . South-west Pacific Headquarters communiques on July 30 —nine days after , the Japanese landing at Buna. The Allied troops began their advance from loyibaiwa, on the southern slopes of the Owen Stanley Ranges, on September 28, and they have thus reached Kokoda in 36 days. The Japanese advancing from Kokoda to loribaiwa took 52 days. After passing Alola last Friday our forces divided on two trails forking toward the Kokoda area. On Sunday they recaptured Isurava, on the west-

ern trail, and Abuari, on the eastern trail. The capture of Kokoda appears to have been made by the column advancing along the Isurava trail. Ou the Abuari trail, the enemy is now being pursued toward Oivi, which lies north of Kokoda. No contact has been' reported: It is probable that the Allies are in possession of the landing ground at Kokoda. Campaign Not Abandoned. After the Japanese were driven from the heights of the ranges last Sunday, it was widely felt there was little likelihood of further strong enemy resistance before the Kokoda area was reached, since intervening terrain was unsuited for defence. In the Kokoda area, however, an opportunity will exist for renewed air support of our ground operations. The fact that the Japanese have attempted to land reinforce,ments at Buna seems> to indicate that they, are not abandoning their campaign in New Guinea, and are determined, at least to retain a foothold in northern Papua.

A headquarters spokesman said today that the Japanese convoy which was 'bombed was sighted by routine reconnaissance, and was first attacked when approaching tlie New Guinea coast. The initial attack was made by heavy bombers, and near misses are believed to have caused damage. Five Zero fighters were shot down, and the enemy then abandoned the landing attempt and turned northeast in the direction of New Britain. Followed Toward Home. In the mid-afternoon our jnedium bombers scored near misses against both transports. Two bombs which fell within 15 feet of tlip port bow of one transport and two within 25 feet of the second must certainly have caused damage. At dusk our heavy bombers etruck when the convoy was near the south coast of New Britain, scoring a direct hit on one transport and several near misses against both. The convoy was heavily strafed by machinegun tire. In spite of the enemy fighters and anti-aircraft opposition ail of our bombers returned.

GREAT OBSTACLES OVERCOME

Army Minister’s Tribute

(Received November 3, 11.55 p.m.) MELBOURNE, November 3.

'Die Army Minister, Mr. Forde, said that the capture of Kokoda was “the greatest morale-builder we have had for some time.

“From my personal observations of the hardships of the troops in the Owen Stanleys, I must pay a special tribute to our gallant men, their officers and commanders for their great achievement in the face of tremendous obstacles,” he said. "I believe , the capture of Kokoda, with its aerodrome, will be of great strategic value.* It is a most important step in the defence of Australia against, invasion. While it is important, however, if should not be over-emphasized, it is only a step in a big campaign.”