HEARTENING IEWS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 June 1942, Page 3

HEARTENING IEWS

WELCOMED IN WASHINGTON INDICATIONS OF CRUSHING VICTORY. ENEMY SURPRISED. WASHINGTON, June 7. The highest circles in Washington are greatly heartened by the official report that the United states forces have scored a crushing victory over Japanese naval units in the greatest air and sea battle fought so far in this war. The battle began two days ago, when the Japanese attempted a large-scale air attack on Midway Island, but the enemy was surprised by the American forces. ' JAPAN’S NAVAL LOSSES Including the losses in the latest battle, the Japanese Navy has lost a total of three aircraft-ca'rriers flor certain, and seven other carriers have been damaged. Japan had only 10 of these vessels when she entered the war, it was estimated, but a number of others have probably been building. This is the first time Japanese battleships have been in a naval battle in this war. Previously one has been sunk and two damaged by air action. Nineteen out of an estimated total of 46 Japanese cruisers have been sunk. The most important Allied naval victory against Japan up to the present action was probably that of the Coral Sea battle, when the Japanese losses were: — Sunk: One aircraft-carrier, one heavy cruiser, one light cruiser, two destroyers, four gunboats and two transports or cargo vessels. Damaged: One aircraft-carrier, one heavy cruiser, one light cruiser, one seaplane tender and two transports or cargo vessels.