HAMMERED FROM AIR

Evening Star, Issue 24327, 16 October 1942, Page 4

HAMMERED FROM AIR

JAPANESE BASE AT RABAUL ANOTHER FLYING FORTRESS RAID (N.Z.P.A. Special Aust. Correspondent) SYDNEY, October ]4. Rabaul, an important Japanese base for operations botli in the Solomons and New Guinea, has again been heavily attacked by Flying Fortresses of General MacArthur’s command. Many tons of bombs, including 1,000-pounders, were dropped in the latest night attack on the two aerodromes there, causing largo fires and explosions. These attacks were officially described earlier as designed to hamper operations by the enemy air force in the vital Solomons war theatre. Direct hits wore observed in the midst of parked aircraft, and considerable damage is believed to have been caused. Other Allied planes bombed installations in Rabaul town, which was severely battered in three raids last week. There was no enemy interception, and all our planes returned safely. Emphasising the importance of these raids on Rabaul, the ‘ Sydney Morning Herald ’ says in an editorial; “Rabaul is the key to the situation within the rough triangle formed by New Britain, New Guinea, and the Solomons. The Japanese hold it strongly, and have developed it intensely since their seizure of it last January. But they have not found the reply either in counter raids or local defences to the growing capacity of the Allies to hummer it from the air. The recent raids must have reminded the Japanese sharply of the importance of air power in the South-west Pacific campaign. Borne to victory partly on Zeros’ wings, they are now being checked and

harried Ihy the increasing air strength of the Allies. “ Failing a decisive naval challenge and baulked m Papua, they have based their hopes "of a renewal of their southern drive on the recapture of Guadalcanal airfield. American possession of that vital area both blocks their, advance and menaces their grip on the islands to the north and northeast. But wo may be confident in the struggle here that the United States marines, with sea and air support, will fight to the death to hold what they have so valiantly won.” Medium bombers of General MacArthnr’s command are continuing their attacks on enemy bases in the Northern Solomons, and a strong force raided Buka aerodrome early on Tuesday morning, causing fires and explosions.