HOT RECEPTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 March 1943, Page 3

HOT RECEPTION

GIVEN TO JAPANESE RAIDERS . FOURTEEN SHOT DOWN OVER NORTH COAST OF PAPUA. ENGAGEMENTS IN OTHER AREAS. (Special Australian Correspondent.) SYDNEY, March 12. Lightning and Kittyhawk fighters shot 14 Japanese planes out of action in a fierce air battle over Oro_ Bay, on the north coast of 'Papua, about 20 miles south-east of Buna, yesterday. These enemy planes were part of a force of 40 (24 bombers and 16 fighters) raiding Allied shipping and shore installations. Nine Zeros were destroyed for certain and three more Zeros and two bombers are claimed as probably destroyed. The Allied losses were light. On Monday, a formation of nine Japanese bombers and 13 fighters sank a small Allied vessel in Oro Bay. Yesterday’s raid was the second time this week the enemy has employed a force of more than 20 bombers in the New Guinea area. On Tuesday, 26 bombers, escorted by 21 Zeros, raided Wau. Two twin-en-gined bombers again attacked Wau after sundown yesterday, but caused neither damage nor casualties. Our Liberator bombers made a raid before dawn on the Lakunai aerodrome at Rabaul yesterday, but heavy clouds prevented observation of the results. In the Mubo area, about 30 miles from Wau, Havoc attack bombers swept enemy positions along the wickers and Guadagasal ridges There is no additional news of ground fighting in this locality. ,