40 BARGES SUNK

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 9, 6 October 1943, Page 5

40 BARGES SUNK

Attempt To Evacuate Kolombangara TWO NIGHT ACTIONS Jii rulegraph. — Press Assu—Copyright.) (Received October 5, 9.50 p.m.) SYDNEY’, October 5. Heavy losses were ’ suffered by the Japanese in attempts to evacuate troops from Kolombangarii Island in the central Solomons. Large flotillas of barges were intercepted by Allied warships which in two successive night actions sank or badly damaged 40 barges, destroyed an escorting gunboat and damaged several others. In addition, one of our fighters strafed and burnt two more barges. Japanese aircraft caused light casualties on one Allied warship. This heavy blow which was struck by Admiral Halsey’s forces is reported in today’s communique from General MacArthur. Since they were driven from New Georgia, the Japanese have clung tenaciously to Kolombangara. They now appear to be attempting evacuation to Bougainville Island, on which they have established strong defences. Japanese Plane Losses.

Between 30 and 40 enemy fighters attempted to interfere with a raid by Liberator bombers on Kahili aerodrome and associate bivouac and supply, areas at the southern end of Bougainville. Escorting Lightnings. Kittyhawks and Corsairs shot down four, enemy lighters for the loss of one Lightning. Another live Japanese planes were shot down by Allied fighters mid ships anti-aircraft fire when enemy divebombers with a tighter escort twice raided American positions on Vella Lavelta Island. The raiders caused moderate damage and casualties. In (he Buka Island area., north of Bougainville, Catalina flying-boats on night reconnaissance damaged a large unidentified enemy vessel, caused a heavy explosion on a destroyer with a direct hit, and destroyed a barge. Admiral Halsey’s medium and divebombers, protected by fighters, raided an enemy barge depot at Kakasa on Choiseui Island, causing fires and explosions.

In New Guinea. Australians driving up the Markham Valley from Kaiapit have made further advances. I'oiwaid elements have crossed the Gnsap River in the Raimi Valley and arc nearing Kaigulin, about 60 miles south ot Madtuig.

Light naval craft destroyed three Japanese barges at Sio, about av miles north-west of Finschhafcn, inflicting many casualties among troops on shore and starting large tires.