DIRECT HIT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 July 1942, Page 3

DIRECT HIT

ON JAPANESE TRANSPORT NORTH OF NEW GUINEA. ATTACK BY ALLIED BOMBERS. (Special Australian Correspondent.) * SYDNEY, July 22. A Japanese convoy has been attacked by Allied bombers in the Embasi-Buna sector- on the north coast pf New Guinea. A direct hit was scored on one transport. This action is reported in the latest communique from General MacArthur’s headquarters. The size of the convoy or of the attacking bomber formations have not been disclosed. The communique says the attack took place “offshore.” The bombing of this enemy convoy ends a protracted period of Allied operational inactivity in the south-west Pacific area. The Allied air forces have recently been engaged almost entirely on reconnaissance flights. However, the presence of an enemy convoy in these waters indicates that the lull in this theatre may soon end. Buna and Embasi, about six miles apart, are the nearest points on the north Papuan coast to Port Moresby. Buna is 110 miles by air from Port Moresby and has a good anchorage. While Lae and Salamaua have been the most important enemy bases in north New Guinea, Japanese activity in the Buna area has increased recently. Attack on the base was made by Allied bombers on July 12, when two intercepting Zero fighters were destroyed and one probably destroyed.