CREEPING SOUTH

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 13064, 5 February 1943, Page 5

CREEPING SOUTH

ENEMY OFFENSIVE RING

New Guinea Coast

Heavy Allied Bombing

Sydney, Fob. 3

The Japanese forces ringing Northern Australia have apparently made a further advance along the* South New Guinea coast. This is indicated by General MacArthur’s communique to-day, announcing the first Allied air attacks on Kaukenau, in former Dutch New Guinea.

Enemy supply dumps were bombed and strafed by Liberators. TheDutch in pre-war years had built numerous airfields and seaplane bases in their New Guinea territory, and it appears that the Japanese are now making use of at least some of these for the consolidation and extension of their defensive arc. Another Allied target in the same area on Tuesday was the wharf at Toeal, Kei Island, where an attack by Hudsons started extensive fires. Raids on Rabaul

For the fourth successive day Rahaul has been heavily raided. Blinding searchlight glare again prevented observation of results. The* main target was Vunakanau aerodrome, Indeed, throughout the entire New Britain area the Allied air force has continued to attack Japanese aerodromes and shipping. At Open Bay enemy troops in launches were killed. It was observed that the two cargo ships previously attacked here had been beached.

Off Lolabau Island, New Britain, a Liberator attacked a 3000-ton enemy cargo ship which was towing two barges. One barge was sunk by a direct bomb hit, while a direct hit and several near-misses damaged the ship so badly that efforts were made to beach her. Patrol Activity Near Wau

The Japanese drive in the Bulolo Valley against Wau, in the-centre of the New Guinea goldfields area, has not been renewed. Land fighting has died down, but our planes.have continued their bombing and strafing attacks along the Mubo-Komiatum trail. Reports from Australian outposts around Wau indicate that the Japanese have been using dogs, mostly of the Alsatian type, for find-

ing our positions and giving -warning. Several, of our posts have been attacked soon after the appearance of these “friendly”- dogs.

In Papua she mopping-up of Japanese stragglers is almost completed. General MacArthur’s communique to-day states tha 158 enemy troops not previously reported have been killed or have surrendered.