OVER THE RANGE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 October 1942, Page 3

OVER THE RANGE

AUSTRALIANS IN NEW GUINEA I ENEMY BEING DRIVEN BACK ON KOKODA. RECENT FIERCE FIGHTING. LONDON, October 18. In New Guinea the Australian forces have gained more ground in their new offensive than in any previous day of the campaign. An earlier message, from Sydney, stated that the Australians had driven the Japanese from their positions near Templeton’s Crossing on. the northern side of the gap. The first Japanese withdrawal was on Friday, but no official Allied claims were made . The latest information makes it clear, however, that this strategic area of mountain heights is now back in Allied hands. No indication has been given of whether the enemy’s withdrawal from Templetons Crossing means that they have entirely vacated the ranges. However, it is widely believed among war commentators that, once the Japanese were forced from their positions in the heights, they would withdraw at least to the flat country round Kokoda, 12 miles by trail, and 5000 feet below Templeton’s Crossing. For some days before .this further enemy retreat, Australian troops had been in steady contact with the Japanese and fierce fighting occurred. Both sides employed mortars, with the Australians making strong frontal and flanking attacks. The enemy, defences were in considerable depth m rough, rocky country covered with jungle much lighter than on the lower slopes of the mountains. _____