PROBABLY SUNK

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 101, 23 January 1943, Page 5

PROBABLY SUNK

Japanese Cruiser In Southern Base (By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) (Received January 22, 10.50 p.m.) SYDNEY, January 22.

A Japanese cruiser and a 5000-ton merchantman have been crippled in a raid on Ambon. The cruiser is thought to have been sunk. Two more enemy merchantmen have been severely damaged in another heavy raid on Rabaul. These attacks on enemy shipping are part of the continued widespread Allied air activity throughout the area of the South-west Pacific Command. Fourteen Zeros were shot down yesterday and eight others agedThe attack on Japanese shipping at the important naval base of Ambon, in Amboiua Island, about 600 miles northwest of Darwin, indicates the purpose of recent Allied reconnaissance flights over this area. Liberators made the raid, and a force of about 20 Zeros intercepted, two of which were shot down and others were damaged. All our planes returned. . When last seen the cruiser was listing badly with smoke pouring from it. No indication had been given of the likely purpose of the enemy shipping concentration at Ambon. It may be intended for an offensive purpose, or—more likely—it is being used to strengthen the Japanese positions on Timor and tne other islands in the Arafura Sea. Increased Jap Bombings.

Catalinas and Flying Fortresses attacked shipping in Rabapl harbour in raids lasting for several hours from miu night on Wednesday. They seriously damaged 6000 and 2000-tou merchantmen. The attacks were pressed home from mast height. and the enemy were later observed attempting to beach the larger vessel to prevent its total loss. Inc* aerodromes in the Kabaul area were also heavily raided to hamper lighter interception. . , Increased Japanese air activity has again been evident. In various actions throughout the .South-west Pacific Command area yesterday the enemy employed about 60 planes. Two of these actions were offensive. One was a night raid on Darwin, made by two planes, whose bombs dropped harmlessly in the bush. Our Kittyhawk night-fighters intercepted, and one of the bombers is believed to have been destroyed. Two enemy night raids have also been made at Milne Bay. A total of 12 bombers caused slight damage but no casualties at the aerodrome. Over Wewak four Liberator bombers were engaged by 25 Zeros in a running fight which lasted for an hour. Twelve enemy fighters were shot down and six others were damaged. AU four Liberators returned safely.