TOUGH FIGHTERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 111, 12 May 1943, Page 3

TOUGH FIGHTERS

AUSTRALIANS EXCEL

Japs. Outfought In Jungle Ambushes N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent Rec. 10 a.m. SYDNEY, this day. Australian patrols operating in the Mubo area, in northern New Guinea, travel light. No blankets are carried and the men sleep through the bitterly cold nights each covered only by a ground sheet. The Australian troops are much more skilful jungle fighters than the Japanese. So far they have soundly beaten the Japanese in every patrol skirmish that has taken place in the area. The latest of these skirmishes, reported in General Mac Arthur's communique to-day, occurred when enemy forces attempted to attack our positions south of Green Hill. They were repulsed, but the communique gives no further details of the action. Ten Japs. For Every Australian Considerable skirmishing has taken place in this area. "At least 10 Japanese are killed for every Australian," said one soldier who has just returned from the sector. "The Australian is now a much better bushman than the Japanese." One feature of patrolling work in which the Australians have become expert is that of ambushes. The Japanese have thus been forced always to reconnoitre in strength. In three days during the past week about 50 Japanese were killed in successful ambushes and many more wounded. Skirmishing clashes are certain to become more frequent now that the Australian occupation of Bobdubi offers a definite threat to the enemy's supply line to their forward troops around Mubo. The map shows that the Australians are within three air miles of the important enemy base of Salamaua, but no map conveys an adequate idea of the terrain. Tougher Than Buna Area "When the time comes for an offensive to be launched against this Japanese base," writes a war correspondent from New Guinea, "it will be the beginning of a campaign in which the country, with its ridges, gorges, swamps and eight known streams, will prevent any frontal attack. It will be fought on tougher ground than any our troops saw in the Buna area."