Extent of enemy losses shows defenders were not caught napping.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 August 1942, Page 3

Extent of enemy losses shows defenders were not caught napping.

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.

Rec. 11.30 p.m. Kugoy, Aug.^o. ]\|ORE than six enemy ships have been damaged by United States naval and air forces that are engaged in a large-scale battle at sea in an attempt to repel a strong Japanese striking force which approached the soutli-eastern group of the Solomon Islands from the north-east. The news is contained in a U.S. Navy Department communique which states that the damaged vessels include two aircraft carriers, a battleship and some cruisers. The communique adds: "It was expected that our occupation of the important enemy base at Tulagi would be countered by a violent attempt on the part of the enemy to recapture theii shore bases in this area. This counter-attack has developed and is now being met. Preliminary reports indicate that the enemy striking force has been attacked by American Army Flying-Fortresses, and naval aircraft from an aircraft-carrier are in actiori. . "Army bombers attacked a large Japanese aircraft-carrier and have reported four hits on her. Planes from our aircraftcarrier attacked and severely damaged the Japanese 7000-ton 24-aircraft-carrier Ryuzyo. Several enemy cruisers and a battleship have also been hit by planes from our aircraft-carrier. "During the afternoon of August 23 a strong enemy air attack on Guadalcanal Island was intercepted by our fighters and at least 22» enemy aircraft were brought down. Our losses in this action were minor. "On the night of August 23-24 enemy destroyers shelled our shore positions. at Guadalcanal. On August 24 American aircraft hit and damaged an enemy transport and a cruiser north of Guadalcanal and left both of them burning fiercely. The action continues." This is Japan's first attempt to recapture the islands since the Allies landed three weeks ago. The extent of the Japanese losses shows that they did not take the defenders by surpiise.