Rabaul Reduced to Bomb-wrecked Shambles

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 64, 18 March 1944, Page 5

Rabaul Reduced to Bomb-wrecked Shambles

(Official War Correspondent, N.Z.E.F.) Received Friday, 11.30 p.m. GUADALCANAL, March 17. In months of aerial pounding ol Rabaul which reduced that former heavily defended Japanese bastion to a bomb-wrecked useless shambles, 891 enemy planes, 25 ships, and 95 barges were definitely destroyed, 16 ships ana 50 barges left burning, 53 ships and 101 barges damaged, and 19 ships and 189 barges strafed. This major victory has been accomplished with amazing economy by the planes of General Fitch’s combinca South Pacific air forces, including Navy, Marine and New Zealand aerial units in addition to the 13th American Army Air Force. The above damage was inflicted in the 16 weeks period November 22 to March 10 for the loss of less than 200 Allied planes. Heavy reinforcements of planes and ships which the enemy again and again poured vainly into the area indicated the high value he placea on maintaining Rabaul's effectiveness. At the beginning of the period the Allied forward airfields were at Munda and on Dongo and Barakona in the New Georgian islands almost 400 miles from Rabaul. In the march forward since then the Allies have established five new runways, namely a bomber strip at Treasury, bomber and two fighter strips on Bougainville and a fighter strip on Green Island. On the other hand oui planes completely reduced five major Japanese airfields on Bougainville and five more at Rabaul in addition to the practical destruction of the Kavieng fields. All the missions in the South Pacific are now in the “milk run” category, our bombers often flying over Raoaul unescorted. Interruption is almost nonexistant, occurring only twice since February 19. Meanwhile tens of thousands of Japanese troops have been bypassed as the result of the swift moves. At the moment the long restless Japanese of the Bougainville garrison have concentrated their forces for a desperate drive on the beachhead positions and despite the consistent ratio of losses of more than ten to one they are continuing the attacks although losing more than 1000 men in the first four days.