DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 1 September 1942, Page 5

DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENT

Japs Being Swept from Milne Bay

ALL SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT LOST

Enemy Falls into Trap: Disastrous Results

Sydney, Aug. 31. “The Japanese are being swept from the Milne Bay area south-east of New Guinea by a tremendous Allied drive. Some remnants of his force have been saved from destruction: They were evacuated by naval craft under cover of darkness and the remainder of his force appears likely to be killed or captured.“ This electrifying news was announced to-day by General MacArthurs* headquarters in a special statement. It followed within 24 hours of unofficial but authoritative reports that reinforcements had reached the Japanese who were stated to be holding the initiative in bitter fighting. The sudden and dramatic change in the situation was revealed in the statement to war correspondents, reading: “The Milne Bay area is rapidly being cleared of the enemy. Australian combat troops, ably commanded by Major-General Clowes, and brilliantly supported by American and Australian air units, have thrown the enemy back into the narrow confines of the peninsula north of the bay where he is being rapidly reduced. His losses have been heavy. Some remnants of his force were probably saved from destruction by evacuation in naval warcraft under cover of darkness. All his heavy supplies and equipment, including tanks, were lost.”

This operation represents another phase in the pattern of the enemy’s plans for the capture of Port Moresby. This citadel is guarded by the natural defence line of the Owen Stanley range. The first effort was to turn its left_flank from Lae and Salamaua, which proved impracticable. Then they launched large convoy forces against its rear. This was repulsed by the air and sea action in the Coral Sea. He then tried to pierce the centre in a weak attempt by way of Buna, Gona and Kokoda, subjecting himself to extraordinary air losses because of the extreme vulnerability of his exposed position. His greatest effort was to turn the right flank by a surprise attack at Milne Bay. The move was anticipated, however, and prepared for with great care and with complete secrecy. The position was occupied by our forces and converted into a strongpoint and the enemy fell into the trap with disastrous results to him.

News of the Allied sweeping Milne Bay success came at a time when a grave view was being taken of the battle. The Sydney “Sun” edition which announced our success published a leader headed “Danger Moves Closer” commenting on the seriousness of the New Guinea situation and the vital threat offered Port Moresby by the Japanese occupation of Milne Bay. In latei editions the leading article was changed for one headed “Victory of Milne Bay.”

Sunday’s communique from General MacArthur’s headquarters reporting the arrival of eight Japanese warships at Milne Bay said: “Reinforcements may have been landed.”

Whether the dramatic twist in developments came as a result of subsequent events is not yet clear. However, war correspondents believe that the warships arrived not to land reinforcements but to evacuate the already beaten Japanese force. Aerial reconnaissance on Sunday revealed that the warships had left the bay. This is the first occasion when Japanese have evacuated troops in the Pacific war. Fighting in Milne Bay is continuing, though it is believed now to have assumed the nature of mopping-up operations by Australian troops. The full story of the Allied success Is eagerly awaited here. While the deterioration in the New Guinea situation reported on Sunday was unexnected, no less unexpected is the significant improvement reported to-day in all sectors. ir* • FIGHTING AT KOKODA The latest communique states: “At Kokoda sporadic fighting in thick jungle country occurred on Sunday resulting in the repulse of the enemy with heavy casualties.” Observers believe that the enemy was fueling out our positions and the casualties were proportionately rati||r than numerically great. At Salamaua Japanese ground activity Is increasing but the movement is believed to be confined to small groups of enemy troops, and combat has not been reported. The “Sun" warns that “elation over the success must not be allowed to merge into that easy complacency which has followed other successes in past months. The enemy is aggressively strong and resilient. After a setback he does not draw off and lick his wounds." It is suggested he may seek a new point at which to strike.

Tribute is widely paia to Major General C. A. Clowes, who commands the Milne Bay forces. Now 50, he gained the D.S.O. and M.C. in the last war. He is a Duntroon graduate. He is described as “almost shy in private life but a vigorous and efficient soldier and absolutely fearless in battle.” He was one of nine Australian brigadiers recalled after nearly two years of service in the Middle East and promoted major-general. MARKED AIR SUPERIORITY Our new marked air superiority is recognised as a deciding factor in the Allied success at Buna and Milne Bay. Great destruction has been caused to enemy supplies as well as aircraft. Bad weather allowed the original enemy convoy to reach Milne Bay without air opposition. It is believed had conditions permitted air attacks an enemy bridgehead could not have been made. Similarly the eight warships which reached the bay on Saturday night were protected by adverse weather making air attack impossible.

The sole Allied air activity reported during the past 24 hours was an attack by heavy bombers on an enemy cruiser and transport at Rabaul. The results were not observed. Two enemy raids have been made on Port Darwin but both were ineffectual, the bombs falling harmlessly in the harbour and mangrove swamps.—P.A. Special Australian Correspondent.