FIERCE RESISTANCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 February 1942, Page 3

FIERCE RESISTANCE

MET BY THE JAPANESE IN SHANTUNG DEFENCE OF MOUNTAIN BASE. ONE OF THE BIGGEST BATTLES YET FOUGHT. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) CHUNGKING, February 15. Ten thousand Japanese troops, in a three-day offensive in the effort to dislodge the Chinese from southern Shantung, have encountered fierce Chinese resistance. Both sides have suffered heavy casualties in this battle, which is the biggest in China. The Japanese are attacking the Chinese base in the Tayi mountains. The Japanese desire to .remove the threat to the Tsinan-Tsingtab railway, which the Chinese have repeatedly dynamited. JAPANESE_ TRIBUTE TO COURAGE OF DEFENDERS. ISLAND NOW BLACKENED & DEVASTATED. NEW YORK, February 15. The Tokio radio says that blue sky was visible over Singapore for the first time for a week, after the huge oil tanks had burned out, but the tropical foliage and landscape are still black with the soot which has settled down. Huge shell and bomb craters dot the island and shattered and dwarfed stumps are the only remnants of flourishing orchards and plantations. The radio commentator said the Japanese struck the decisive blows only on Saturday, when they occupied the water reservoirs and the Pyalebar radio station, where the British defenders fiercely and desperately fought until the last moment. Radio Paris tonight says _ that the Japanese are unanimous in paying tribute to the courage of the Empire forces and declare that they remained faithful to military traditions “beyond the limits of human endurance.” According to the Tokio radio, the Japanese High Command claims that 32 Allied warships and transports were sunk or damaged south of Singapore during last week. NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN AND MEMBERS OF CONSTRUCTION UNIT. EVACUATED BEFORE FALL OF SINGAPORE. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The evacuation from Singapore before the fall of the city of New Zealand personnel was announced last night by the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones. “A message has been received by Air Headquarters, Wellington,” said the Minister, “to the effect that the New Zealand aerodrome construction unit which had been operating in the Far East was evacuated before the fall of Singapore.” . Mr Jones stated that the Air Department had been advised that the personnel of the New Zealand Fighter Squadron was also reported safe. Immediately on receipt of further information it would be made available to the public. ENEMY AIR RAIDS ATTACKS ON SMALL PLACE IN NEW GUINEA. (British Official Wireless.} (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.) RUGBY. February 16. A Batavia communique states: “A small place in New Guinea was bombed for an hour by the Japanese. Four civilians were killed and one seriously and four slightly wounded. Great damage to material was inflicted, especially to Government buildings and houses. “For the rest enemy air activity has consisted of reconnaissance and slight bombardments. “In South Celebes fighting is continuing uninterruptedly. A Japanese unit was ambushed and lost two officers and some 30 to 40 men without loss on our side.” PALEMBANG BATTLE ALLIED BOMBERS & FIGHTERS IN ACTION. GREAT DEVASTATION CAUSED. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.) RUGBY, February 16. A South-West Pacific Command communique states: “Reports about the action in the Palembang area on February 14 and 15 show that Allied bombers and fighters gave all possible support to the land forces defending the area. Hurricanes and Blenheims of the R.A.F. caused great devastation by low-flying attacks on barges packed with enemy troops, which were moving up the river in the direction of Palembang. Some of the Hurricanes—-eight-gun fighters—made as many as six separate sorties during the day, I only ceasing their efforts when it was I no longer possible to use their aerodromes to refuel and rearm. Dutch'

and American aircraft were meantime vigorously attacking transports and warships off the coast. Hits were claimed on five transports and two cruisers, one of which was set on fire.”