Entire Japanese Convoy Desteroyed

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 216, 12 September 1944, Page 6

Entire Japanese Convoy Desteroyed

52 VESSELS SUNK American Carrier Force Strikes In Philippines (N.Z.P.A.—Copyright.—Rec. 2.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, September 11. A carrier task force destroyed an entire Japanese convoy of 52 vessels, and also destroyed 68 planes and heavily bombed enemy installations on Mindanao Island, Philippines, on Friday. A Pacific Fleet communique says: "Carrier-based aircraft struck enemy airfields and other military objectives on Mindanao, bombing and strafing airfields at Delmonte, Valencia, Cagayan, Buayan and Davao. "Two enemy aircraft were encountered near our carriers, five over Cagayan and one over Davao, all of which were shot down. Approximately 60 enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground. Barracks, warehouses and hangars were hit at the several aerodromes attacked.

"Enemy waterfront installations at Matina, Cagayan and Surigao were also bombed." The convoy was discovered off Hinatuan Bay, consisting of 32 loaded coasted cargo vessels and 20 sampans. The Pacific Fleet, comprising cruisers, destroyers and carrier aircraft, brought the convoy under attack, destroying all the enemy ships. In addition, enemy shipping found in Saragani Bay, Davao Gulf, also near Cagayan and Surigao, w&s attacked, resulting in the sinking or probable sinking of 16 small cargo ships, one medium cargo vessel, one patrol craft and many sampans, and setting fire to two small cargo vessels and at least 17 sampans. American aircraft losses in the operations were very light, and no surface ships were damaged.