FIGHT IN JUNGLE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 89, 26 January 1942, Page 3

FIGHT IN JUNGLE.

RETIRING AUSTRALIANS’ STAND.

AGAINST OVERWHELMING ODDS.

SINGAPORE. January 25

Cut off from the main body of the army since early on Monday, two battalions of the Australian Imperial Force, and some Indian troops, supported hv artillery and some antitank units, are slowly rejoining their units, says the Australian official war correspondent. On Thursday these men ceased to struggle as an organised force. They were then worn out, had little food dr ammunition, and were ui> against hopeless odds, and the order was given “every man for himself” to get back through the jungle. For more than 100 hours they had fought the Japanese from the front, sides and rear. Many more, it is hoped, will return, but the sacrifice lias been heavy. The battalions’ adventures began last Sunday when 10 Japanese tanks were knocked out. The Australians had been rushed to the area to strengthen the resistance. They went into action immediately. Ail that day and night sporadic fighting went on. hut the Japanese had con e in behind them.

On Monday the Japanese pushed their attack with a complete disregard for casualties, and in the evening the order came to withdraw. The Japanese behind were in considerable force. They machine-gunned the Australians as they tried to clear the road of blockages. Bren carriers tried to break through, but the Japanese were too strong. The Australians sought Japanese permission to send their wounded through, but this was refused unless the whole force surrendered. This offer was declined. AH Tuesday and Wednesday the Australians fought their way back, and on • Thursday made a concerted attack on the Japanese position, but were beaten off, and the final order was given “every man for himself.” They then had fought back 15 miles, and were only seven miles from the British force which had been vainly trying to break through to reach them. While they were cut off the only communications the Australian units had with their headquarters was maintained by three gallant signallers operating a field wireless set, but early on Thursday the sot was destroyed by a bomb and one signaller was killed. The other two have returned to headquarters. Parit Sulong, where Australian and Indian troops who have rejoined their main bodies, were cut off. is 16 miles north of Batu Pahat,—British Official Wireless.