STRONG RESISTANCE BY JAPANESE

Southland Times, Issue 24819, 11 August 1942, Page 5

STRONG RESISTANCE BY JAPANESE

FIGHTING IN SOLOMONS (United Press Association —Telegraph Copyright) (Rec. 1.15 a.m.) LONDON, August 10. Little news is available about the battle following the Allied attack on the Tulagi area of the Jap-anese-occupied Solomon Islands, but it is known that the battle is at a delicate stage. It is known that the Japanese have built at least three air-fields during their occupation of the islands and have brought in a garrison of several thousand men. Their landbased planes are strongly resisting the Allied forces.

In the third day of the attacks against potential enemy air reinforcement points for the Solomons the Allied air raids on Sunday lost nothing of their intensity, states a Sydney message. Rabaul was again the main target, day and night attacks being made on aerodromes in the area. Many direct hits were scored on the rimways and five intercepting Zero fighters were shot down in combat. Today’s Communique from General Douglas MacArthur’s headquarters makes no mention of Allied losses. Gasmata, also in New Britain, figured in Sunday’s attacks, an Allied heavy bomber unit raiding the .landing ground. Allied medium bombers strongly attacked the building area and harbour installations at Salamaua. A supply ship received two direct hits and was left burning. The landing jetty was hit, several buildings were demolished and an anti-aircraft position was silenced. All our aircraft returned. Today’s communique also reports that our ground patrols in the Kokoda area have inflicted casualties on the enemy.