BATTLES IN JAVA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 March 1942, Page 4

BATTLES IN JAVA

OUTLOOK VERY SERIOUS BUT BY NO MEANS DESPERATE ACCORDING TO REUTER CORRESPONDENT. ENEMY AIR SUPERIORITY. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, March 5. Reuter’s Bandoeng correspondent describes the situation in Java as serious but by no means desperate. The Japanese have captured Surakarta and the aerodrome at Kalidjati, near Bandoeng, from which they are dive-bombing and machine-gunning Allied troops. Advanced Japanese spearheads are in the region of Surabaya, which is being constantly, bombed. “Although reports that a second Japanese armada is bringing troops to Java are unconfirmed, the enemy undoubtedly are bringing in reinforcements through their coast bridgeheads,” the correspondent adds. “Japanese planes were over our forward positions throughout the day, operating from Kalidjati. They unload their bombs and then rush back and fill up again. Our lack of planes is pitiable. Virtually no assistance can be given to cur ground troops and practically nothing is available to direct the range of our artillery. We cannot prevent the Japanese using air bases and there is rarely anything except anti-aircraft fire now when Japanese bombers and fighters make their daily raid on Bandoeng. However the troops are in excellent spirits, despite the gruelling they have received, and are determined to hold off the enemy.” ENEMY DRIVE PUSH ACROSS ISLAND, DEFENDING TROOPS FIGHTING VALIANTLY. (British Official Wifeless.) (Received This Day, 10.25 a.m.) RUGBY, March 5. In Middle Java the Japanese have pushed 100 miles inland from their landing point of Rembang, to the sole important Communication junction from which railways and roads lead to all parts of the island. If the Japanese continue their advance here they will in all likelihood, says a correspondent, go to the south coast, thus cutting off East Java, with its important naval and supply base at Surabaya, from the west of the island. In West Java) the Japanese have extended their thrust which is now along a line roughly 30 miles inland from their landing point at Indramayo. This town is an important road junction and it is also on one of the two railway lines which connect Batavia with Bandoeng. The threat to the centre is growing, as the Japanese press from their vantage point in Banean. There is also danger from the right flank from Japanese forces in Middle Java. Since the Battle of Java began, Dutch and Indonesian soldiers have fought valiantly, but they have had little protection against Japanese dive-bombers. The Japanese are in possession of a number of aerodromes near Java and also one on the island itself. It is from these airfields that air support is given when a call comes from any commander in the field. The weak Allied air forces have been able to give little support to our troops, . their activities being confined almost exclusively to attacking Japan-ese-occupied airfields and Japanese warships and transports. MORE CLEARLY DEFINED INVADERS’ PLAN OF CAMPAIGN. DUTCH CONSIDER SITUATION WELL IN HAND. (Received This Day, 1.25 p.m.) BANDOENG, March 5. “For the first time since the invasion it is new possible to get a clear picture of Japanese intentions in Java,” says the Dutch journalist, Paul Frische. “The Japanese will try to cut off communications with Bandoeng, encircle Batavia and then turn round for the main attack southward, where the main body of the Dutch Army is waiting in the mountains. “The fact that Surakarta has been occupied shows that the enemy is well on his way to cut Java in half. The invasion troops have advanced fast over the comparatively thinly defended north Nava plains and are now rolling totVards the mountain bastions, where the Dutch have decided to make a stand. A fierce battle raged around Malidjati Aerodrome for several days and only terrific dive-bomb-ing forced the Dutch to withdraw. “Although the enemy in some places is only forty miles from the Dutch Army Headquarters at Bandoeng, scarcely any excitement is noticeable. Notwithstanding the rapid initial Japanese advance, military circles in Bandoeng seem to consider the situation well in hand.” “The Allies have.not abandoned us; on the contrary an attack against the enemy from another side can be expected at any moment,” said Dr. Van Mook (Lieutenant Governor-General) addressing the People’s Council. He urged the population to emulate General MacArthur and concentrate on the defence of certain areas which were particularly suited for defence.