ON JAPANESE PHILIPPINE BASES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 April 1942, Page 3

ON JAPANESE PHILIPPINE BASES

Made by American Flying Fortresses

NUMBER OF TRANSPORTS SUNK DESTRUCTION Of AERODROME INSTALLATIONS AND AIRCRAFT LONDON, April 15, A FORCE OF 14 AMERICAN FLYING FORTRESSES AND MEDIUM BOMBERS ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY MADE A SERIES OF SMASHING ATTACKS ON JAPANESE BASES IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. THIS WAS THE FIRST BLOW IN GENERAL MACARTHUR’S PROMISED OFFENSIVE TO LIBERATE THE PHILIPPINES. A communique from American headquarters in Australia, the first to be issued by General MacArthur, states that attacks were made on Japanese air bases at Manila, Sebu, Davao and Batangas. Nichols Field Aerodrome, Manila, hangars and runways were destroyed. At Davao one enemy bomber was destroyed and several others were damaged. Two transports were hit and one was probably sunk, A Japanese seaplane was shot down and two others were damaged. Enemy troop concentrations were attacked and docks and warehouses were damaged. At Sebu considerable damage was done to docks. Three enemy transports were sunk and two others hit. Three enemy planes were shot down and several others were damaged on the ground. At Batangas an enemy cargo vessel believed to be carrying military supplies was sunk. The force was under the personal command of Brigadier-General Wright, Chief of Staff to General Brett, the Allied Air Commander under General MacArthur. One American aircraft was lost, but the crew were saved. General Wright is one of America’s most able bomber pilots and on his return to a base somewhere in Australia was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. The same decoration was awarded to two other officers who took part in the flight. General Brett, commenting on the raid, said the flight into enemy territory had created dismay and destruction at a time most important to our forces. MORE' ATTACKS IN NEW GUINEA In the New Guinea area, Australian bombers are continuing to attack Japanese bases at Koepang, in Dutch Timor. In yesterday’s attack on the aerodrome all the bombs fell in the target area. A correspondent reports that since March 22 more than 60 Japanese planes have been destroyed or damaged in the New Guinea area. MAJOR OFFENSIVE Opened by Enemy in Shan States DEVELOPING THREAT TO BURMESE OILFIELDS LONDON, April 15. The launching of a major Japanese offensive in the southern Shan States in Burma is indicated in a Chungking communique. The enemy is throwing in reserves and continues vigorous attacks on the Chinese positions. On the Salween River front the enemy land forces are strongly supported by aircraft. The Japanese attack appears to be directed against the Chinese flank.

Japanese forces have reached a point 30 miles from the oilfields in the Irrawaddy Valley. A withdrawal of our troops is reported. Elsewhere our forces are holding positions in the face of repeated air and ground attacks. Our reserves are engaged with small enemy parties who have succeeded in infiltrating round our positions.