SEA BATTLE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 August 1942, Page 3

SEA BATTLE

DEVELOPING ON IMPORTANT SCALE RESULT MAY BE DECISIVE. IN VIEW OF AMERICAN COMMENTATORS. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 1.10 p.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. Heavy equipment, including guns, ammunition and supplies, is being rushed ashore from American transports for the United States Marines fighting in the Solomons. While the Marines are steadily consolidating their positions under strong air cover, a large-scale sea and air battle is being fought in the area. American commentators say the sea battle is developing rapidly and that its importance is overshadowing the land fighting. Allied air and naval forces are holding off a Japanese fleet which is trying to smash a passage for enemy reinforcements. Observers in the United States believe the present sea action may prove decisive if it shatters a major part of the Japanese Fleet. They point out that the American Navy has long sought an opportunity to engage the Japanese at close quarters. The Japanese are believed to have been forced to accept the challenge because of the urgent necessity to .maintain their positions in the Solomons.