BATTLE FOR SINGAPORE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 February 1942, Page 3

BATTLE FOR SINGAPORE

JAPANESE ONSLAUGHT CONTINUES Supported by Tanks and Planes CLAIM BY ENEMY CAPTURE OF THE CITY REPORTED LONDON, February 12. Today’s Singapore communique, issued at 5.30 o’clock local time, states that enemy pressure, which slackened last night, was resumed again early this morning along the whole of the western front. The defenders hold a line running from the north-east to the south-west across the island five or six miles west of the city. The enemy attack was supported by tanks and planes. Throughout the hours of daylight our positions were continuously dive-bombed and machine-gunned and attacks were also made by high-flying bombers. Fuel stores were damaged. There was no change in the situation elsewhere on the island. The Japanese claim to have captured the city but the Singapore radio continued broadcasting today. Tokio radio said yesterday: “The British, Australian, Indian and Chinese troops in the outskirts of Singapore fought with incredible contempt for death in every inch of the northern part of the city. Continuous bombing has accompanied the last stages of the fighting. Explosions resounded everywhere as the British blew up important plant and buildings. They are reported to have completely destroyed the harbour and other installations. ’ ’