MENACE TO RANGOON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 February 1942, Page 3

MENACE TO RANGOON

CITY PREPARING TO STAND SIEGE Attacks on Airfields and Harbours in Java SUCCESSFUL INTERCEPTING ACTION BY AMERICANS AUSTRALIAN BOMBERS ATTACK TIMOR AND NEW BRITAIN LONDON, February 25. Allied air forces defending Rangoon have had the most successful day since the fighting began. Today’s Rangoon communique states that hard blows have been dealt to the Japanese air forces. In the course of the day at least 30 enemy fighters met their end and seven others probably were shot down. One of the air battles took place early this evening when a big formation of enemy fighters, escorting bombers, were attacked by the R.A.F. and the American Volunteer Group. A considerable number of Japanese aircraft were destroyed, but no definite figures are yet known. Another successful air attack is recorded when two Japanese ships were sunk in the river at Moulmein. Direct hits were scored on both ships, which became enveloped in smoke. A curfew was ordered in Rangoon city tonight, and a military commandant has been appointed to take charge of the city. This followed the evacuation of civilians and the continued Japanese threat against the British positions on the Sittang River, where our troops are reorganising after heavy fighting. The British lines are now 60 miles north-east of Rangoon. When Rangoon was raided by enemy planes this morning two were shot down and two more probably destroyed without British loss. Enemy raids on Java have been again concentrated on airfields and harbours. Objectives near Batavia and Surabaya were attacked yesterday but the damage was unimportant. In the Netherlands East Indies the main news is still of further enemy air attacks on Java. There are indications that the ability of the Allies to hit back is growing. Three more enemy transports have been sunk off Macassar, in South Celebes. From Java*-it is reported that a formation of nine enemy bombers, supported by fighters, was intercepted by American planes. One enemy fighter and one bomber were shot down without loss to the Americans, and another four enemy aircraft were damaged. The Royal Australian Air. Force has been active from Timor to New Britain. At Rabaul the Australian bombers concentrated on planes on the ground. Large fires were started among the enemy positions. The island of Timor was also attacked with success. One of the Australian planes failed to return. The only news from the Philippines is of skirmishing, with some success to the Americans in aggressive local action. A Chungking message states that an enemy attack launched recently from Northern Thailand towards the Burma Road was repulsed by Chinese and Allied forces. The enemy tried to cross a river and were forced to retreat. Heavy casualties were inflicted on their troops.