ATTACK ON SOLOMONS

Southland Times, Issue 24826, 19 August 1942, Page 5

ATTACK ON SOLOMONS

ALLIES DEVELOP SHORE BASES

(8.0.W.) RUGBY, August 17. A brief review of the operations which have taken place in the Solomons since the first landings by American troops on August 7 has been given by the United States Navy Department.

“The attacks were a complete surprise for the enemy,” states the review. “Eighteen of their seaplanes were destroyed before they could get into action. During these landing operations our cruisers and destroyers were so disposed as to protect our transports and cargo ships as they unloaded troops and equipment. While thus engaged on August 7 and 8 our forces were attacked by enemy land-based aircraft. These were driven off and at least 18 more

enemy planes were destroyed, while only minor damage was suffered by our forces.

“During the night of August 9 an enemy force of cruisers and destroyers attempted to attack our transports, cargo ships and supporting forces. This enemy force was intercepted and engaged by our cruisers and destroyers. Heavy fighting which followed resulted in the enemy being forced to retreat before reaching the vessels engaged in landing operations. Close range fighting during this night engagement resulted in damage to both the enemy and our forces. This night action is the only engagement between surface forces which has been fought to date in the Solomon Islands. LANDINGS BY MARINES “Amphibious forces of United States Marines made several landings on islands in the Guadalcanar and Tulagi areas. Vigorous enemy resistance was rapidly overcome and a number of Japanese prisoners were taken. Shore positions taken by the United States forces have since been developed and are now well established.

It is impossible in night engagements to determine accurately the damage inflicted on the opposition force. No further statement can be made at this time of the extent of the damage to our forces because of the obvious value of such information to the enemy.”

ALLIES’ EARLY SUCCESSES

JAPANESE FLEET NOW REGROUPING

(Special Australian Correspondent, N.Z.P.A.)

(Rec. 11.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, Aug. 18. The United States Navy’s release of details of the battle for the Solomons confirms the belief that considerable early successes have been gained. The Japanese Fleet has now withdrawn from the area and is believed by some observers to be regrouping for a big, new counter-attack. Rear-Admiral Yates Stirling, naval analyst for the United Press of America and former chief of staff of the United States fleet, warns that the Japanese will try hard to recoup their losses. He says: “The Battle of the Solomons is an offensive into which we must throw all the available resources of warships and aeroplanes, together with land forces.” He believes the final result of the Solomons battle narrows down to the question of how far Japan is willing to deplete her air forces in China, Manchukuo and the East Indies for concentration in the Solomons.

Robert Bellaire, of the United Press of America, quoting the opinion of repatriated American newspapermen on board the liner Gripsholm, says the war against Japan can be won by a combination of mass air attacks against her home production centres and ceaseless attrition tactics against her farflung outposts. “Japan has not had sufficient planes and anti-aircraft guns to protect both her homeland and her outposts,” he said. “She can be put on the defensive by being made to bare one for the sake of the other.”

ENEMY MORAL HIGH

These observers do not, however, expect Japan to collapse after a few scattered defeats. The enemy’s morale is judged to be high and his forces brave and persevering. His supply of slave labour is mounting. Japan’s Army and Navy are estimated to possess 2000 first line planes each, but lack of engineering staff is expected to prevent the Japanese from keeping pace with technical developments. Mr Bellaire relates that after the capture of Singapore Japan had hoped for a negotiated peace. The hope vanished with the reorganization of the United Nations under General Douglas MacArthur. Growing concern is evident in Japan at the full implications of the Solomons offensive. Tokyo radio is reported to have announced that the chief of staff of the Japanese Armies in China has been recalled home to organize Japans defences. It is also reported to have stated: “Already a steady supply of American planes is arriving in China.” Brigadier-General C. L. Chennault, organizer of the American Volunteer Air Force in China, has been reported as saying that the United States would send sufficient air strength to China to secure the defeat of the invaders. It is believed that Brigadier-General Chennault’s air campaign is certain to be stepped up to assist the Solomons action. MR CURTIN GRATEFUL TO AMERICA (Special Australian Correspondent, N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 1 a.m.) SYDNEY, August 18. “The size of the forces the United States has sent to the South-west Pacific should not be discussed publicly,” declared the Prime Minister, Mr John Curtin, today. He was commenting on the reported statement by the Deputy-Leader of the Opposition, Mr W. M. Hughes, that expressions of disappointment with the extent of American aid were unjustified and American aid was substantial and not a mere trickle.

“I have not expressed any disappointment,” said Mr Curtin. “I am most grateful for what the Americans have done in the Coral Sea and Midway Island battles, in the appointment of

General Douglas MacArthur as com-mander-in-chief, as well as the forces of various kinds they have established in this country and which they have used in the Solomons offensive.”