Big Japanese Force By-passed

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 55, 8 March 1944, Page 5

Big Japanese Force By-passed

(By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) Received Tuesday, 10.20 pun. SYDNEY, March 7. Under cover of an air and naval bombardment the American forces have made a new landing on the northern Rai coast of New Guinea 30 miles west of Saidor. They have bypassed the Japanese force at Mindiri and are about 40 air miles from the big enemy base of Madang. The landing was not seriously opposed by the Japanese, but it is believed that a considerable number of enemy troops may be in the near areas. Kitty hawk s and Bostons provided air cover for the fresh leap along the New Guinea coast while patrol torpedo-boats shelled the landing beaches before the Americans went ashore to establish themselves in positions at the Yalau plantation. Meanwhile with the Momote aerodrome securely held, the American forces on Los Negros in the Admiralty Group are advancing under fire into the northern section of the island. They have crossed the narrow isthmus leading from the airfield into the Salami plantation. A Japanese artillery barrage failed to stem the advance. Allied aircraft in close support of the ground troops have bombed and strafed enemy positions north of Hyane harbour where the first American force landed on February 29. Allied naval imits have shelled enemy shore batteries protecting Seadler harbour, of which Los Negros forms the eastern enclosure. General MacArthur’s latest communique recording these land successes reports still another smashing aerial blow against Rabaul (New Britain). In a midday attack by more than 200 Solo-mons-based Liberator, Mitchell, Avenger and Dauntless bombers with a Corsair, Hellcat and Warhawk fighter escort, 181 tons of explosives were dropped on the town and waterfront areas. Two small cargo ships were sunk in Atalikikum Bay. Again there was no Japanese fighter interception. Alexishafen (New Guinea) was hit with 65 tons of bombs, starting fires visible for 40 miles.