BLASTED AGAIN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20915, 15 October 1942, Page 3

BLASTED AGAIN

JAP. BASE AT RABAUL DESTRUCTION OF PLANES NO ENEMY INTERCEPTION 00.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, Oct. 15. Rabaul. the important Japanese base for operations both in the Solomons and New Guinea, has again been heavily attacked by Flying Fortresses of General MacArthur’s Command. Many tons of bombs, including 10001 b. missiles, have been dropped. The latest night attack on the two aerodromes there caused large fires and explosions. These attacks were officially described earlier as being designed to hamper operations by tht enemy air force in the vital Solomons war theatre. Direct hits were 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 a rough triangle formed by New Britain, New Guinea and the Solomons. The Japanese hold it strongly and had developed it intensely since their seizure of it last January. But they have not found a reply, either in counter raids or local defences, to the growing capacity of the Allies to hamper it from the air. Growth of Air Power “The recent raids must have reminded the Japanese sharply of the importance of air power in the southwest Pacific campaign. Borne to victory par.tlv on Zeros’ wings, they are now being checked and harried by the increasing strength of the Allies. Failing a decisive naval challenge and baulked in Papua, they have based tbeir hopes of a renewal of their southern drive on the x-ecap-ture of Guadalcanar airfield. The American possession of that vital area both blocks their advance and menaces their grip on the islands to the north and north-east. But we 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 MacArthur’s Command are continuing attacks on enemy bases in the northern Solomons. A strong force raided Buka aerodrome early on Tuesday morning, causing fires and explosions.