FACED BY DEFENDERS OF BATAN
Withdrawal Made to New Line ENEMY ATTACKING FORCES VASTLY MORE NUMEROUS EVENTS IN BURMA AND ON APPROACHES TO AUSTRALIA LONDON, April 8. _ . In the fierce fighting which is taking place in the Philippines the Japanese are believed to be trying to force a decision before the rainy season begins. The Japanese onslaught has forced the American troops to withdraw to new positions in the Batan Peninsula. The withdrawal took place last night. A Washington communique states that the withdrawal was .made to rectify the American line, which had been penetrated. A Reuter message from Washington says the American ' forces now face their darkest hour. A supreme effort is being’ made by the enemy to force a decision before the rainy season begins in about a fortnight’s time. It is estimated that the Japanese forces number between 110,000 and 135,000 men, which is vastly superior to the strength of General Wainwright’s force. The battle is now in its fifth day and is being most bitterly fought. The casualties are very heavy on both sides. In Burma the situation on the Irrawaddy front is unchanged. Japanese planes bombed a town in North Burma today, but so far as is known there were no military casualties. The raid on Rangoon last Friday was carried out by seven Flying Fortresses, which flew from their base in India. Several tons of bombs were dropped on the Rangoon harbour docks and port facilities. Three large fires were started. All the planes returned. Mr J. W. Curtin, Australian Prime Minister, has called for an immediate report regarding the alleged atrocities committed on Australian troops at Rabaul. North-west of New Britain, Larungau, the principal town in the Admiralty Islands, has been occupied by the Japanese. It had long been suspected that the Japanese would occupy this island, as it is on the line of the direct supply route to
Rabaul. Prior to the enemy occupation the aerodrome was put out of action and a scorched earth policy was carried out.
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Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 April 1942, Page 3
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337FACED BY DEFENDERS OF BATAN Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 April 1942, Page 3
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