HEAVY ARTILLERY DUEL

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23537, 15 January 1942, Page 5

HEAVY ARTILLERY DUEL

Battle North-west Of Manila ENEMY COLUMNS SHATTERED (Received January 14, 7 p.m.) LONDON, January 13. General Mac Arthur's forces northwest of Manila are more than holding their own against the Japanese. The American and Philippine batteries had definitely the better of a heavy artillery duel yesterday. A communique from Washington states: “In 24 hours of continuous artillery fighting, American and Philippine batteries proved definitely superior to those of the Japanese. Columns of enemy tanks and other armoured units, as well as infantry concentrations. were shattered and dispersed by our fire, with heavy Japanese losses. “Our counter battery fire was particularly effective. Eleven hostile batteries were silenced. The enemy artillery elements have now been withdrawn to the rear of the positions formerly occupied. The losses of American and Philippine troops are relatively slight. “Air activities were confined to attacks by dive-bombers in support of their artillery fire. No enemy bombing attacks were made on fixed fortifications.” The Tokyo radio announced that Japanese headquarters had issued a proclamation sternly warning the people of the Philippines that the death penalty would be imposed on inhabitants who resort to rebellious acts detrimental to the security of the Japanese forces.