ALLIED ATTACKS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 170, 30 April 1943, Page 3

ALLIED ATTACKS.

SHIPS BOMBED IN ARAFURA SEA SYDNEY, April 29. Two cargo ships in the Arafura Seer have been severely damaged by Allied bombing attacks. The ships were 90 miles north of Do bo on Wednesday Avhen the bombers attacked at mast height. A communique received from General Mas Arthur’s headquarters to-day says: "A direct hit and «». close miss with 5()0lb bombs were scored on the stern of a 2000-ton vessel, and two near misses'on one of 1200 tons. Beth ships were machine-gun-lied and left stationary in the water. Fire broke out on tire deck of the smaller ship.

"Seven Zeros attacked an Allied heavy- bomber on reconnaissance oA'cr AYido Bay. New Britain. They Avere driven off and our bomber completed its mission. Other offensive reconnaissance- raids were- made on AA ednesday on D'vnill Island. New Ireland, and on t,lu> Saidor and Finsehafon areas :n northern New Guinea.”

The sole Japanese offensive effort reported in the communique wars a night attack by a single aeroplane on Morobe Harbour, the most westerly point occupied by the Allies on the north New Guinea coast. Four bombs caused neither damage nor casualties.