Attempt To Retake Guadalcanal

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23745, 17 September 1942, Page 5

Attempt To Retake Guadalcanal

landings follow t , BOMBARDMENT (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 11 P* m> ) LONDON, September 16. The Japanese are now making a strong bid for the recapture of Guadalcanal’ Island, the key base in the Solomon Islands. Ever since the island was taken by United States marines early in August a Japanese counter-attack has been anticipated. It began four nights ago. . After a bombardment from the air and the sea the Japanese succeeded in landing small detachments of reinforcements. The next night they launched an attack on the airfield, but this was unsuccessful. Reports from Washington indicate that the American marines are maintaining their positions in face of increasing enemy pressure. A Washington communique says there are indications that the Japanese are using condMle numbers of aircraft. Attacks have been made by flights of 28 bombers, which have received a rough handling. At least 22 enemy bombers and fighters had been shot down by midday on Monday. American heavy bombers are hitting back at the Japanese In the islands round Guadalcanar. Enemy seaplanes were shot up at Ysabel Island.

A United States Navy communique says; ‘‘Japanese attempts to recapture the United States positions on Guadalcanar have been intensified. Heavy fighting has been progressing since the night of September 12 between marines and reinforced enemy troops. “Details of the fighting are lacking, but reports to date indicate that the marines- are maintaining their positions. “In the last few days the Japanese have increased the intensity of bombing attacks by aircraft and bombardment by surface vessels. ’“Some enemy attempts to land small detachments of troops at night have been successful. "On September 11 Army Flying Fortresses shot down four Zeros near Guadalcanar and strafed shore installations on the island of Gizo. On September 12 Army bombers shot down two seaplanes. “On the night of September Id enemy surface craft shelled our posi-

- tions on Guadalcanal - . Shore batteries J are reported to have hit one vessel. “Contacts wore made with enemy j patrols the same night and heavy ■ fighting continued on the following ■ day and night. “On September 13 two 'flights of . about 28 bombers, each escorted by i Zeros, attacked the airfield at Guadal- ■ canar. Navy Wildcat fighters shot down four bombers and four fighters. i “Army bombers attacked seaplanes " on the water in Rekata Bay, on the north-west shore of Ysabel Island, destroying one and damaging another, i "On the night of September 13 surface craft shelled our positions on • Guadalcanar. Our troops engaged in • heavy fighting with enemy troops, . who unsuccessfully attempted to cap- . ture the airfield. “On September 14, 28 bombers, escorted by Zeros, attacked Guadalcanar 1 shortly after noon. Navy fighters shot ■ down one bomber and five fighters.”