AMERICANS USE PARATROOPS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 239, 6 July 1944, Page 5

AMERICANS USE PARATROOPS

Fighting On Noemfoor WEAK AND SCATTERED OPPOSITION (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) (Received. July 5, 9.15 p.m.) SYDNEY, July 5. Paratroops were dropped on Noemfoor Island, Dutch New Guinea, on Sunday to support the American infantry invasion troops who had landed on the beaches. The seaborne assault force was easily able to cope with the light Japanese resistance, and the paratroops were not needed to smash the initial defences. The paratroops and infantry, with tank as well as artillery support, have now joined.in a general advance against only weak and scattered enemy opposition. Japanese equipment already captured includes seven medium-sized artillery pieces. The main enemy strength on Noemfoor is believed to be centred round a number of airfields on the south-west coast of the island. Japanese remnants on Biak Island within 100 miles east of Noemfoor are attempting.to reach Korim Bay, on the north coast, evidently hoping to escape by sea. The enemy high command has made no effort to rescue the garrison in the face of Allied control of the neighbouring sea lanes, and it seems probable that the Japanese on Biak will be left to their fate.

Yap, the important enemy base in the western Carolines, was the target for the main air attack reported by General MacArthur’s communique today. Bombs on the harbour and barracks area started many fires.. In air battles lasting 45 minutes, the attacking Liberators shot down four Japanese interceptors and damaged two others. Several of the Liberators were damaged, but all returned safely to base.