MAJOR BATTLE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 December 1941, Page 5

MAJOR BATTLE

STRENUOUS CONFLICT

H BRITISH AIR FORCES BEING STRENGTHENED

Tanker and Freighter Sunk by Dutch Submarines

POSITION AT HONG KONG STILL OBSCURE UNITED STATES AND CHINA PLEDGE MUTUAL SUPPORT

LONDON, December 14

The end of the first week’s fighting in the Pacific war zone is marked by the gradually growing strength and efficiency oi our air forces in and around Malaya, although we have not yet gained mastery in the air. Fighters have been successfully hampering enemy troops and communications in the strenuous battle in the Kedah area, in north-west Malaya. Our fighters also drove off three attempts by enemy bombers to raid the island of Penang. A message from Rangoon states that wave after wave oi fighters went up over Rangoon when an alarm was given and the greatest enthusiasm was aroused. Rangoon has had two alarms in 12 hours, but no bombs have yet been dropped. During the last two days British bombers have raided some of the enemy bases, far beyond the fighting front, and Netherlands submarines have interfered with the enemy’s seaborne reinforcements. „ Netherlands submarines off the east coast of Malaya have sunk two more Japanese ships. One was a tanker and the other a freighter. Our, land forces may have to withdraw further before sufficient air reinforcements arrive, but the British High Command in Singapore is confident that the position is well in hand. Correspondents state that there is no doubt that the battle being fought in north-western Malaya is on a major scale. The Japanese have landed considerable forces. Heavy fighting is in progress on the coastal road and further inland the Japanese are showing, their skill in hacking a way through the jungle and getting through crocodile-infested swamps. Our air forces which were mainly engaged in the first days of fighting against enemy landings are now giving close support to the land troops. The planes are ranging mainly'over the more open country, where enemy tanks and transport are being mercilessly pounded. MOVE INTO THAILAND

British troops are fighting on a line north of Alorstar, 60 miles north-west of Penang. Fighting is also taking place in Thailand, just east of' the border at Kedah. According to a Japanese report, British troops from Burma have crossed the frontier into northern Thailand at two or three points. Heavy fighting is taking place 25 miles from the Burmese border. In the extreme south of Burma Japanese forces have made a slight penetration in one region. Heavy fighting is reported in Hong Kong territory, where the position is still obscure. There is no confirmation of the claim by the Japanese that they have reached Kowloon, on the mainland opposite the island, but it is thought that on account of the nature of the country this may well be true. A Chungking message states that Chinese troops continue to attack the flank and rear of the Japanese troops and are within 13 miles of the frontier of British territory. . :. J zllß PHILIPPINES SITUATION IN HAND The American commander-.in-chief in the Philippines, General MacArthur, reports that the situation there is well in hand. He states that during the past week two Japanese battleships were badly damaged, four transports sunk and threeham,kiiril'rr /InrnniYarl

IN PROGRESS IN NORTH-WESTERN MALAYA

REPORTS FROM OTHER PACIFIC FRONTS