FORWARD DRIVE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 July 1943, Page 3

FORWARD DRIVE

MADE BY AMERICANS AT MUNDA AGAINST STUBBORN ENEMY RESISTANCE. ADVANCE OF 500 YARDS ALONG WHOLE LINE. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) SYDNEY, July 27. After a heavy bombardment of Japanese positions round Munda from the air and sea, American troops who arc menacing the enemy garrison yesterday made a drive, which moved the whole Allied line as far as 500 yards toward the enemy stronghold. The stubborn Japanese defences have been softened by naval shelling and air attacks. On Sunday evening and yesterday morning, Dauntlesses, Avengers, Wildcats' and Corsairs swept over enemy positions north-east of Munda. Allied long-range fighters and light naval vessels, probably motor torpedoboats, are harassing Japanese barge communications in the Solomons. The enemy appears to have been endeavouring to supply his isolated forces in’ New Georgia by running barges from Kolombangara Island. General MacArthur’s communique reported: “New Georgia: Our torpedo and dive-bombers in evening and dawn attacks dropped 82 tons of bombs on enemy gun positions covering the aerodrome. We lost one plane, but the crew was saved. Our surface and naval forces bombarded and our ground forces increased their pressure by a general advance along the whole line of up to 500 yards.

“Vangunu Island: A number of enemy planes harmlessly raided Oloana Bay before dawn.”

HEAVIEST TO DATE AIR ATTACKS ON JAPANESE IN NEW GUINEA. BATTLE FOR SALAMAUA. (Special Australian Correspondent.) SYDNEY, July 27. The heaviest air attacks ever made in the New Guinea theatre were launched yesterday when Fortresses and Liberators bombarded Japanese positions round Komiatum and Salamaua. This newest aerial assault, when 140 tons of bombs were dropped, is believed to presage a new phase in the mounting battle for Salamaua. During the day Lightnings and Kittyhawks fought furious dogfights with 30 or more Zeros, shooting down 11 enemy fighters and probably destroying five more. One Allied fighter was lost, but the pilot is believed safe. It was announced by the Minister of Air, Mr Drakeford, that since Japan entered the war the R.A.A.F. had destroyed 1225 enemy aircraft, probably destroyed 419 and damaged 521 in the Souffth-West Pacific area.