GREAT ARMY OF JAP. STRENGTH ROUTED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 32, 8 February 1943, Page 3

GREAT ARMY OF JAP. STRENGTH ROUTED

FIVE AIR BATTLES 41 Enemy Planes Shot From Skies Over Wau N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent Rec. 12.30 p.m. SYDNEY, this day. "With the greatest array of fighter and bomber strength they had marshalled since the battle of the Lae convoy, early in January, the Japanese tried unsuccessfully to force their way through our air screen. Five air battles were fought over Wau in two hours and a quarter. From all these encounters every Allied fighter formation came out without a single loss." This description of Saturday's New Guinea air battle is given by the Sydney Morning Herald war correspondent. It is now reported that of 41 Japanese planes shot out of the skies at Wau, only 26 are claimed as definitely destroyed and 15 as seriously damaged, probably destroyed. The jungle around Wau was dotted with fires of burning enemy planes. In the great Lae air battle which began on January 6 and ended on January 10, more than 80 Japanese planes were definitely destroyed and the probable destruction of enemy aircraft totalled about 150.

Saturday's success was not confined to any one type of Allied fighter. American Lightnings, Kittyhawks and Airacobras all took part in the actions, which were fought at altitudes ranging from 2000 ft to 18,000 ft. All commentators pay glowing tributes to Allied airmanship, which contributed so largely to the amazing result. Allied Transports Attacked The air battle began shortly before 11 o'clock on Saturday morning, when eight Kittyhawks, escorting heavy transport planes to Wau, attacked 12 Japanese medium bombers and fighters which were already raiding the airfield. Seven of the enemy planes were shot down and others damaged, two of them so seriously that it is unlikely they reached their base. While this action was taking place eight Airacobras arrived with more Allied transports, all of which were now ordered to return to their base. The Airacobras attacked a force of about 30 enemy planes, mostly fighters, shooting down 11. The skies were scarcely clear when four Lightnings chased 12 Zeros back towards their base. By early afternoon only six enemy Zeros remained to dispute Allied air supremacy. They were intercepted by a superior force of Kittyhawks and Airacobras. Three were shot down and the remaining three staggered off in a faltering flight with their fuselages riddled. By this time the Japanese nad had enough and Wau aerodrome was left unmolested throughout the rest of the day. Enemy Ground Moves The . air battle was preceded by fresh enemy ground attempts on Thursday night to capture the aerodrome. Strong Australian, counterattacks drove the Japanese from the field of battle, leaving 54 dead behind them. Our 25-pounder artillery played an important part in the engagement. Attempts were made to break through the Australian defences at two points, each about three miles distant from the airfield. The first Japanese assault made some gains, but after the enemy had come under fire from Australian artillery our infantry made strong counter-attacks, compelling them to retire. Since January 28 the Australians in the Wau-Mubo area have kept superior enemy forces at bay. Our troops have now buried more than 450 enemy dead, of which 300 were killed in the first battle for Wau aerodrome last Thursday week.