POSITIONS HELD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 January 1942, Page 3

POSITIONS HELD

UNDER HEAVY ENEMY PRESSURE ISOLATED TROOPS PENETRATE JAPANESE LINES. SUSTAINED AIR ACTIVITY. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.35 a.m.) RUGBY, January 25. A Far East communique, issued at Singapore, states: “Since yesterday our troops have maintained their positions in the face of heavy Japanese pressure, supported by continuous fighter and bomber attacks.

“In the east, at Mersing, enemy ground activity was confined to patrolling, and has been considerably harassed by our artillery. “In the centre, north of Kluang, our forces attacked the enemy with some success yesterday afternoon. Japanese aircraft were active throughout the day. Our aircraft carried out normal patrols, in support of our forward troops. “In the Batu Pahat area, fighting continues.

“Considerable numbers of Australians and Indians, who were cut off in the Parit Sulong area, and had to be supplied by air, have now rejoined our main bodies, after bitter fighting.

“During the night, aircraft of the Far East command carried out a heavy and successful attack on a military objective at Labis. Several tons of bombs were dropped, frow low altitudes, and caused considerable damage and started a number of fires. Hits were observed on railway lines and roads and a railway junction, where a bridge appeared to be demolished.

“Our fighters intercepted and drove off a force of enemy bombers over Johore this morning. When engaged, the enemy aircraft just jettisoned their bombs and withdrew. One enemjr sir-

craft probably was destroyed and three others damaged. “Enemy aircraft raided Singapore Island today. Some bombs were dropped, but preliminary reports show that casualties and damage were negligible.”