AMERICAN WOUNDED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 January 1942, Page 4

AMERICAN WOUNDED

DEPARTURE FROM MANILA HOSPITAL SHIP BOUND FOR AUSTRALIA. STUBBORN STAND ON LUZON FRONTS. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 10.40 a.m.) WASHINGTON, December 31. An Army communique issued at 5 p.m. states that General MacArthur (Commander-in-Chief in the Philippines) has advised the War Department that wounded have been evacuated from Manila in the Red Cross hospital ship Mactan and will be taken to Australia. American and Philippine troops are continuing their stubborn resistance according to prearranged defence plans. A Navy communique states that the situation is unchanged in respect to Maui, Johnston and Palmyra islands. There have been no further attacks since December 24. STRONG POSITION TAKEN UP BY DEFENDING TROOPS. HEAVY TOLL BEING TAKEN OF JAPANESE. (Received This Day, Noon.) WASHINGTON, January 1. A communique at 9.30 a.m. from the Philippines theatre states that severe fighting continues north of Manila, where American and Philippine forces have been consolidated and are continuing to resist the Japanese advancing. Strong positions are now occupied by the defending troops, who are inflicting heavy losses on the invaders. A major battle is now in progress.