OF JAPANESE BASES IN SOLOMONS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 July 1943, Page 3

OF JAPANESE BASES IN SOLOMONS

Further Islands Occupied by Americans FIERCE PATROL CLASHES IN NEW GUINEA ENEMY AIR LOSSES MOUNTING LONDON, July 5. In the Solomons, United. States warships last night bombarded Japanese bases on Kolombangara and New Georgia. This news is given in the latest United States naval communique, which follows an announcement that Allied forces have landed on another island in the Solomons. This is Vangunu, lying at the southern tip of New Georgia. American troops made the landing in Wickham Anchorage, which had been heavily shelled and dive-bombed during the weekend. Now the Japanese-held village of Vura, situated on the shore of the anchorage, has been captured with 300 of the enemy garrison killed and the remainder scattered. The general situation is summarised by a correspondent as follows New Georgia: American forces m this area have quickly thrown a ring round the island. Following the occupation of Rendova Island, American forces have occupied a number of other islands in the area. Dive-bombers have sunk a Japanese supply ship off the coast. Munda: The situation here is not particularly healthy for the Japanese. The airfield is under constant hammering from the air and by coastguard guns on Rendova Island. Rendova Island: The last Japanese attempt to raid the American positions on this island cost them another 21 aircraft, making at least 150 lost since the present fighting began. New Guinea: Little land activity is reported following the linking up of American and Australian troops at Nassau Bay, though there are still fierce patrol clashes in the jungle. Hudson bombers of the United States air force have attacked the Japanese submarine base at Rekata Bay in Santa Isabel Island. The destruction of another 21 Japanese planes is announced, bringing the enemy losses since last Wednesday to 155 machines. Almost 300 enemy planes have been shot down in the Solomons during the last 30 days. The Allied air losses since the beginning of the present drive are 31 machines.