ON THE MOVE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 December 1943, Page 3

ON THE MOVE

AUSTRALIANS IN NEW GUINEA RAPID ADVANCE IN HUON PENINSULA. WIDESPREAD & DESTRUCTIVE ALLIED AIR ATTACKS. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) SYDNEY, December 14 Supported by 28-ton Matilda tanks, Australian troops are advancing rapidly up the coast of the Huon Peninsula, in New Guinea, against stiff Japanese opposition. They have crossed the Sowi River, and are now nearing the important enemy barge base of Lakona. This represents an advance of about five miles from Bonga, which fell to the Australians on November 28. After crossing the Sowi River, our forces encountered stubborn enemy resistance. They compelled the Japanese to withdraw, and some enemy equipment was captured. Further patrol clashes have been reported in the Ramu Valley, where another Australian force is thrusting against Japanese positions in the foothills of the Finisterre Range at the northern end of the valley. The air war 'in this sector has quickened during the past 48 hours. When nine Japanese bombers, escorted by 15 Zeros, attempted to attack Australian positions at Gusap, about 60 miles south of the big Japanese coastal base of Madang, they were intercepted by our fighter patrols, losing two bombers and one fighter shot down and a second lighter probably destroyed.

General MacArthur's communique today also reports widespread Allied air attacks ranging from the Arafura Sea to the Solomons.

Nearly 100 of Admiral Halsey’s aircraft dropped 54 tons of bombs ,on ’he Japanese base of Jakohina, in the Buin area, Bougainville Island. Nine buildings were destroyed when KiUyhawks bombed and strafed the Arigua Mission near Kieta.

Bomb-carrying Kittyhawks also attacked Japanese bases in western New Britain. They concentrated principally on the aerodrome at Gasmata, where, in spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire, they accomplished their mission without loss. No enemy fighter- opp.isition was encountered. Many 5001 b. bombs smashed runways and dispersal points.