PLEASURE FELT IN AUSTRALIA

Southland Times, Issue 24818, 10 August 1942, Page 5

PLEASURE FELT IN AUSTRALIA

Heavy Air Attacks On Japanese Bases

(Special Australian Correspondent, N.ZJPA.) (Rec. 10.10 p.m.) SYDNEY, Aug. 9. The news of the Allied forces attacks on the enemy occupied south-east Solomon Islands, in the Tulagi area, has been heartening to Australia. The comment, “It’s about time,” serves to coyer the gratification of the man in the street that American and Australian forces have at last moved to an offensive which must considerably affect Japan’s immediate plans in this theatre. It is generally accepted as having forestalled and anticipated an enemy drive on Port Moresby (Papua). ' The meagre details of the action give no indication whether the operations are likely to avert or merely postpone a Japanese attack on Port Moresby. The heaviest bombing raids made by the Allied air forces on Japanese bases in the South-west Pacific area were obviously part of a co-ordinated plan of attack. They were intended to hamper counter-attacks by the Japanese air strength. Their purpose is confirmed by Allied headquarter’s communiques description of repeated raids on Rabaul aerodromes as “interdiction attacks.” The headquarter’s spokesman, commenting on the Allies’ use of 20001 b bomhs, remarked that they were awfully tough on runways.” These were the first attacks made on the enemy’s main southward base since July 17. ZEROS SHOT UP Twenty intercepting Zeros were the strongest enemy fighter force yet encountered over this base by our bombers. Of seven Zeros destroyed three were shot down in flames, one blew up in mid-air, one had its wings shot off, and two were seen spinning down with smoke pouring from them. It is revealed that these enemy fighters were all destroyed by our heavy bombers, only one of which failed to return. Flying Fortresses have established a fine record against these speedy high-flying enemy fighters. While no official statement has yet been made, a correspondent of the Australian' Broadcasting Commission reports that it is believed that Australian troops are taking part in the Solomons operations, which apparently combine sea, land and air forces. The latest communique report of our fighter attacks in the Buna-Kokoda sector is the first reference made to bombcarrying fighters in the South-west Pacific. Kittyhawks which have been much used as fighter-bombers in the Middle East, form the main part of the Allied fighter strength in this theatre. ATTACK ON RABAUL In Friday’s attack on the enemy’s main southward base, Rabaul, 15 tons of bombs were dropped on Vunakanua aerodrome. Seven of 20 intercepting Japanese Zero fighters were shot down in fierce dog fights, the Allies losing one plane. Others received damage and we had some casualties. On Saturday aerodromes in the Rabaul area were again bombed in what was described as a “night interdiction” attack. Enemy aerodromes at Lae (New Guinea) have been heavily bombed in day and night raids, and 20001 b bombs fell on runways and in aircraft parking areas. The wharf at Lae was also bombed and an anti-air-craft position was hit. Medium bombers made three heavy attacks on the isthmus and aerodrome at Salamaua. A beached Japanese cargo ship received a direct hit and was left burning. Bombs were dropped on the aerodrome runways and fires were started among enemy installations. Anti-aircraft batteries were silenced. An enemy airfield at Buka (Solomons) was also attacked.

The communique describes the raid as “successful,” but states that considerable anti-aircraft fire was encountered. A strong force of Allied fighters bombed and straffed enemy installations in the Buna-Kokoda sector (Papua), starting fires and silencing machine-gun nests.