HEROIC STAND

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 290, 7 December 1943, Page 3

HEROIC STAND

Against Japanese Attacks On Huon Peninsula DAUN TLESS AUSTRALIANS N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent Rec. 9.30 a.m. SYDNEY, Dec. 6. The heroic stand by the Australian garrison which for 10 days resisted the Japanese attacks on the Huon Peninsula, New Guinea, has now been described. This small isolated force occupied Pabu' Hill, a feature dominating the enemy supply line from the coast to Wareo. They held this area, 150 yards by 100 yards, against repeated infants attacks, as well as the heaviest concentration of Japanese artillery fire encountered in this campaign. The Japanese also used flamethrowers, but the Australians held their position and prevented the passage of enemy supplies to Wareo, which is now under a converging attack by three Australian forces. The supplies for the garrison on Pabu Hill were dropped by parachute and had to be retrieved by fighting parties. For eight days and nights the Australians were under continual attack. The evacuation of wounded created great problems, but even the most serious stretcher cases were sneaked through the surrounding Japanese force. During one intensive night of shelling, numerous trees were brought crashing down on the Australians. | Doctors stumbled among the branches treating the injured and| administering anaesthetics in the pitch darkness. They diagnosed the extent of wounds and injuries by touch. The Japanese employed many ruses in their efforts to dislodge the garrison. One party even wore Australian hats and jungle-green clothing in an attempt to penetrate the position. They were recognised and wiped out. Before they were ultimately relieved by one of the forces now attacking Wareo, the defenders of this miniature Tobruk had killed 187 Japanese. Thus on-the accepted jungle basis of two wounded to each one killed, the Australians inflicted a total of 050 casualties on the Japanese. Their gallant stand also had the highest value in speeding up the present drive against Wareo.