SINCE OCCUPATION OF RABAUL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 March 1942, Page 3

SINCE OCCUPATION OF RABAUL

Include 50 Ships and 100 First-line Aircraft J EVENTS IN BURMA AND PHILIPPINES FIERCE FIGHTING IN TOUNGOO AREA .. ■ LONDON, March 29. The Japanese losses during the 64 days since their occupation of Rabaul are more than 100 first-line aircraft, more than 50 ships and 1,000 troops. Tonight’s Chungking communique reports that Chinese forces were compelled to retire to positions in the eastern section of Toungoo, with the Japanese now in the western section. The battle continued during Friday night. A New Delhi communique reports further enemy attacks on the Chinese forces which are still holding their ground at Toungoo, in Burma. North of Toungoo the Chinese have recaptured four villages. A Chungking message says the Chinese have broken the enemy ring round Toungoo. No news has reached London to confirm the Japanese claim to have captured Toungoo. From the Philippines it is reported that in a heavy attack on the centre of the Batan front the Japanese were beaten back with heavy losses.