IN NEW GUINEA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 169, 29 April 1943, Page 3

IN NEW GUINEA.

HEAVIER FIGHTING REPORTED.

ENEMY POSITIONS BOMBED.

SYDNEY, April 28

Heavier fighting has broken out in the high country round Mubo, the inland outpost defence point for the Japanese north New Guinea base oi Salamaua. This ground fighting is a continuation of the battle for the ridges, which has not stopped since the Japanese, retreating after their defeat at Wan in January, slowed down their withdrawal near the Guadagasel Gap. Although Allied gains have been made, there is nothing in the present fighting to suggest an imminent drive against Salamaua. For some days Allied aircraft supporting our troops have been blasting the Japanese positions on a hill 1J miles north-east of Mubo. Because of the dense jungle hiding their positions it has not boon possible to observe the results of these attacks, but it is likely that the Japanese have suffered heavily.

A few weeks ago our planes made similar bombing and strafing raids on another enemy strong-point in the area. When Allied patrols occupied the site they found about 800 enemy dead.

These air attacks are designed to open up the jungle for the Allied troops. Although previously concealed under thick vegetation, the enemv trenches. fortifications, find supply dumps have been laid bare by the bombings, enormously facilitating operations by our ground forces.

Movement through this country is extremely difficult. The mountain slopes are precipitous, and eve»-y section of the. trail is a potential ambush. Allied patrols frequently arc able to make no better progress than a mile a day. Our attacking planes fly down the valleys, which offer them barely enough space to get clear of the ravines at the end of their sweeps.