DOCKS & ARSENAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 December 1943, Page 3

DOCKS & ARSENAL

IN CAPITAL OF SIAM ATTACKED BY ALLIED HEAVY BOMBERS WIDESPREAD ACTION IN NORTH & SOUTH BURMA (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.) RUGBY, December 21. In the first long-range raid since the formation of the Eastern Air Command, heavy Allied bombers attacked objectives in Bangkok on the night of December 19. A strong formation of United States bombers raided the docks, while the R.A.F. raided the arsenal area. A Delhi communique, reporting this, adds that in Southern Burma widespread attacks have been carried out, the R.A.F. bombing by night and the United States -Air Force by day. Targets from Akyab to Henzada, on the railway south of Prome, were attacked on December 14 and the three following nights. United States medium bombers on December 15 started large fires in oil installations. R.A.F. fighters made repeated and successful attacks on rail, road and river traffic. In Northern Burma, United States fighter-bombers have further intensified their activities against positions and supply dumps in the jungle. Twelve specific areas south of Kamaing were bombed and strafed by the U.S.A.A.F. on December 18, causing large explosions and numerous fires. From these and a number of other operations, one Allied aircraft is missing. There is very little enemy activity in the air.