OFFICIAL REVIEW

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 August 1942, Page 3

OFFICIAL REVIEW

OF OPERATIONS TO DATE GIVEN BY AMERICAN NAVY DEPARTMENT. SHORE POSITIONS NOW WELL ESTABLISHED. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, August 17. A brief review of the operations which have taken place in the Solomon Islands since the first landings were made by American troops on August 7 is given by the United States Navy Department. “The attacks were a complete surprise for the enemy and 18 of their seaplanes were destroyed before they could get into action. During these landing operations cruisers and destroyers were so disposed as to protect our transports and cargo ships as they unloaded troops and equipment. “While thus engaged on August 7 and 8, our forces were attacked by enemy land-based aircraft. These were driven off and at least 18 more enemy planes were destroyed, while only minor damage was suffered by our forces.

“During the night of August 9 an enemy force of cruisers and destroyers attempted to attack our transports, cargo ships and supporting forces. This enemy force was intercepted and engaged by our cruisers and destroyers. The heavy fighting which followed resulted in the enemy being forced to retreat before reaching the vessels engaged in the landing operations. “Close-range fighting during this night engagement resulted in damage to both the enemy and our forces. This night action is the only engagement between surface forces which has been fought to date in the Solomon Islands. “Amphibious forces of United States marines made several landings on islands in the Guadalcanal and Tulagi area. Vigorous enemy resistance was rapidly overcome and a number of Japanese prisoners were taken. “The shore positions taken by the United States forces have since been developed and are now well established. “It is impossible in night engagements to determine accurately the damage inflicted on the opposition force. No further statement can be made at this time of the extent of the damage to our forces because of the obvious value of such information to the enemy.”