ISLAND WAR

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 59, 10 March 1944, Page 5

ISLAND WAR

AMERICAN PROGRESS

More Japanese Aircraft Lost Over Wewak N.Z. Press Association—Copyright Rec. 2 p.m. SYDNEY, this day. The American ground forces in the Admiralty Islands continue to expand their positions. Allied naval and supply ships have entered See Adler Harbour without encountering interference. Earlier Allied naval and air bombardments had destroyed enemy gun positions around the 'harbour.

In New Britain American troops who made the recent landing on Willaumez Peninsula have now advanced within two miles of Talasea. The Japanese left behind many dead as they moved back before the American advance.

The main news of the air war reported by General Mac Arthur's communique to-day is of a big air battle over Wewak (New Guinea). Allied fighters which escorted our raiding bombers, shot down 17 of 40 intercepting Zeros, while 10 others were probably destroyed. Rabaul (New Britain) and Kavieng (New Ireland) have again been attacked by Solo-mons-based planes. At Rabaul five parked aircraft were destroyed and a small cargo ship was sunk.

[Such of the cable news en this page as is so designated has appeared in The Times, and Is sent to this paper by special permission. It should be understood that the opinions are not those of The Times unless sta.ted to be so.]