JAPANESE AIRBORNE ATTACKS REPULSED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 304, 24 December 1941, Page 7

JAPANESE AIRBORNE ATTACKS REPULSED

PHILIPPINE BATTLE Dutch Bombers Sink Big Enemy Tanker I'.P.A. and British Wireless. Rec. 2 p.m. LONDON*. Dec. 23. Army headquarters at Manila have announced that a heavy force of Japanese airborne troops, supported by aircraft, landed yesterday- on the coast of Lingayen Gulf, but tne situation is well in hand. American tanks and artillery engaged other enemy forces between San Thomas and Damortis. in the Launian Province. The latest reports indicate that American troops hold a position north of Damortis. Enemv aircraft were very active. It is reported from Batavia that Dutch naval aircraft attacked a Japanese fleet concentration, including transports, at Davao, in the Philippines. One enemv tanker of 10.000 tons was directly hit and burst into flames. Japanese planes attacked Sorong, in New Guinea, but were driven off by Netherlands East Indies fighters, says a Eatavia message. The latest Washington communique reports that operations are continuing with increasing intensity ° n the eastern shore of Lingayen Gulf, north of Damortis. A major engagement is being fought in the vicinity of San Thomas, with American and Filipino troops having attained some initial successes. Japanese troops are continuing to land between Agno and San Fernando. the landing operations being supported by an increasing number of bombing and attack planes. Fighting is continuing in the vicinity of Davao, on the southern island of Mindanao. A War Department communique says American artillery chased off Japanese destroyers which were trying to cover the attempted landing at Damortis. Japanese troops successfully landed near Agoo, but met artillery and tank resistance aimed at stopping their thrust toward Manila. The Associated Press correspondent at Manila says independent reports indicate that the Japanese are being hammered hard by the American Air Force. American pilots predict that the Japanese will find the going increasingly difficult. The Tokyo radio claimed the complete occupation of Davao and said the enemy casualties were 200 killed and 600 taken prisoner. Heavy fighting against the Japanese is reported to be taking place in the British territory of Carawak, Borneo.