AIR WAR IN PACIFIC.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 89, 25 January 1943, Page 5

AIR WAR IN PACIFIC.

WIDESPREAD ALLIED SWEEPS.

JAPANESE FORCES ENGAGED.

(Special Australian Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) SYDNEY, Jan. 24.

The air war throughout the. Southwest Pacific Command area gives no sign of slackening. ? While General MacArtkur’s bombers are maintaining an offensive initiative the Japanese Air Force has become increasingly active. Eight Zeros were shot down and four others were damaged in air battle/s on Friday and Saturday. Rabaul was only one of a dozen targets attacked by Allied bombers. Six raids were made by Japanese aircraft—the greatest number for some months.’ The growing enemy air base at vvewak, in north New Guinea, was the starting point for an epic air battle. A single Allied heavy bomber was attacked by 18 Zeros. In a running fight, lasting 90 minutes, three Zeros were shot down and two others were probably destroyed. The Allied bomber got safely back to its base. Air action over Rabaul accounted for the five other Zeros destroyed. Two more were damaged. Allied bombers and attack aircraft have been particularly active in the Salamaua area. Salamaua has been widely suggested as the next objective in General MacArthur’s New Guinea drive. The inland track from Salamaua to Mubo was strafed. At least five Japanese barges were destroyed along the northern New Guinea coast, Allied air sweeps extending from Madang to Bakumbari, near Gona. , , North of Australia, Allied bombers ’attacked Fuiloro and Koepang, in Timor, where the Tokio raido repor i,s that unrest has grown to such an extent that safety zones have had to be established for the protection ot neutral Portuguese nationals against native uprisings. Australian repoits state that these native disturbances have been fomented by the Japanese, who admit that the establishment of the new zones may assist to cleat out Australian and Dutch guerilla troops still active on the island. Targets attacked by Japanese .aircraft include Darwin, Merauke, Milne Bay, and Port Moresby. Eight aircraft made a night raid on Milne Bay, causing slight casualties and damage. A heavier,force than usual raided Port Moresby. The other enemy attacks were ineffectual.