DESTROYERS JOIN IN

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 202, 24 May 1944, Page 7

DESTROYERS JOIN IN

Enemy Dutch New Guinea Positions Assailed (By Telegraph,—Press Assn.—Copyright.) nhtriilinn Correspondent.) (Received May 2'3. 11.50 p.m.) SYDNEY. May 23. Allied destroyers have joined in the assault on the Japanese mainland positions west of the Tor River, in Dutch New Guinea. The American bridgehead across the river is still tinder enemy mortar tire. The American infantry forces have artillery support. The main objectives of this American drive are the enemy airfields at Sarmi and Muffin Bay, about 20 miles west of Wakde Island. Sawar airfield, six miles from Sarmi, has a runway of 5100 feet, capable of extension. Mullin Bay airfield is about 5500 feet and could lie extended to 7000 feet. Large Japanese encampment and supply areas stretch almost continuously from Sarmi to Muffin Bay. In spite ot their weakening position in the . northwest of Dutch New Guinea, there is some evidence that the Japanese . are reinforcing their bases on territories on the southern coast. Their main base ol Kaimpna was bombed by Liberators on Sunday, largo fires being started in supply areas. Fifteen barges were destroyed or damaged, two coastal vessels sunk anil four others damaged in aerial strikes oyer Noemfoor and Bink Islands, in GeelvinK Bav. ~ Nearly 150 Mitebells, Bostons anil Beanforts, escorted by Lightning lighters, again pounded Japanese-occupied ureas between Wewak and Iliinsa Bay m British New Guinea on Sunday. Admiral Halsey, Comiminder in the South Pacific area, visited Australia hist weekend and conferred with the naval commander in the South-west lau , Vice-Admiral Kinkaid. Admiral Hnlsiv. who has been appointed to an undiscosc post since the South I’at'Uie eon nn d area ceased to operate, has now lett tins area. -