AERIAL PUNCHES

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXVI, Issue 247, 20 October 1942, Page 2

AERIAL PUNCHES

ALLIES IN S0L0M0NS

JAP. ARMADA BOMRED. -NO REPORTS OF LAND FIGHTING. '

P.A. Gable.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19.

A United States Navy Department communique says: On Friday our dive-bombers attacked enemy installations at Rekata Bay on Ysabel Island. Several anti- aircraft batteries were bombed and fuel storage dumps set on fire. Twelve enemy seaplanes were strafed and burned. One twin-engined bomber was shot down by Wildcats, and Army Flying Fortresses destroyed a large flying-boat. "Four direct bomb hits completed the destmcticn of two or three transports previously damaged and beached on the northwest coast of Guadalcanar. "On Saturday during the morning, United States surface vessels bombarded enemy positions on northwest Guadalcanar. "Heavy explosions and fires followed hits on ammunition dumps. "Throughout the day our aircraft on Guadalcanar continued to attack enemy shore positiofis. "During Saturday night Japanese surface forces sheiled our installations on the north coast of the island." The communique says that there has been no recent troop activity, No enemy landings on Guadalcanar have been reported. The strong force of enemy warships, transports, and cargo ships which assembled in the Shortland Island area has been bombed repeatedly foy Allied heavy bombers as announced by General MaoArthur.