JAPANESE SWEPT BACK

Evening Star, Issue 24288, 1 September 1942, Page 3

JAPANESE SWEPT BACK

Better News From New Guinea Enemy Shattered At Milne Bay SYDNEY, August 31. The Japanese are being swept from the Milne Bay area in South-east New Guinea by a tremendous Allied drive. Some remnants of the Japanese forces have been saved from destruction. They were evacuated by naval craft under cover of darkness. The remainder of the force appears likely to be killed or captured. . This electrifying news was announced to-day by General MacArthur’s headquarters in a special statement. It followed within 24 hours of unofficial but authoritative reports that reinforcements had reached the Japanese, who were stated to be holding the initiative in bitter fighting. The sudden and dramatic change in the situation was revealed in a statement to war correspondents reading: “ The Milne Bay area is rapidly being cleared of the enemy. Australian combat troops, ably commanded by Majorgeneral Clowes and brilliantly supported by American and Australian air units, have thrown the enemy back into the narrow confines of the peninsula north of the bay, where he is being rapidly reduced. His losses have been heavy. Some remnants of his force were probably saved from destruction by evacuation in naval warcraft under cover of darkness. All his heavy supplies and equipment, including tanks, were lost. “This operation,” the statement adds, “represents another phase in the pattern of the enemy’s plans to capture Port Moresby. . This citadel is guarded by a natural defence line, the Owen Stanley Range. The first effort was to turn its left flank from Lae and Salamaua, which proved impracticable. • Then the enemy launched large convoy forces against its rear. These were repulsed by air and sea action in the Coral Sea. He then tried to pierce the centre in a weak attempt by way of Buna, Gona, and Kokoda, subjecting himself to extraordinary air losses because of his extreme vulnerability and his exposed position. ' His greatest effort was to turn the right flank by a surprise attack at Milne Bay. The move was anticipated, however, and prepared for with great care. With complete secrecy, the position was occupied by pur forces and converted into a strongpoint. The enemy fell into the trap with disastrous results to him.”