JAPANESE LOSSES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 March 1943, Page 3

JAPANESE LOSSES

BRITISH SUCCESSES REPORTED IN BURMA TWO ENEMY LAUNCHES SUNK. LEVIES CONDUCTING GUERILLA WARFARE. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.30 a.m.) RUGBY, March 1. An India joint communique announces: “Over 55 Japanese soldiers were killed and a number captured in a naval action off Ramree Island on the night of February 26. Coastal craft of the Royal Indian Navy engaged two armed enemy launches, heavily loaded with troops and ammunition. One was blown up and sunk while the other was left in a sinking condition. “For several weeks past our Kachin levies, operating in the Mukawng Valley and north of Myitkyina have been conspicuously successful in ambushing small parties of Japanese on patrol and harassing communications between enemy outposts. Attempts by the enemy to bring the levies to direct action have been successfully evaded and on several occasions have resulted in the Japanese troops being let into traps. The degree of loss and damage inflicted on the Japanese by this guerilla activity is confirmed by the latest enemy action, which amounts to an advance in force northwards from Myitkyina towards Sumprabum.

Our levies are maintaining contact and continue to report successful skirmishes with enemy forward patrols. “Yesterday formations ,of R.A.F. Blenheims, escorted by fighters, bombed Magiyichaung, in enemy-occupied Burma. Many hits were observed on the target areas and fires were left burning. A force of enemy fighters attempted to intercept the Blenheims but were prevented by Hurricanes. On Friday night our bombers attacked objectives in Akyab and Mychaung. Many bursts were observed on the targets. Large fires were started. From these and other operations two of our aircraft are missing.”