U.S. ADVANCE ON GUADALCANAR

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23804, 25 November 1942, Page 3

U.S. ADVANCE ON GUADALCANAR

SLOW PROGRESS ON WEST FLANK TAKING ADVANTAGE OF SEA VICTORY (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 10 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Nov. '23. A United States Navy communique state>: “On November 22 the advance of the United States forces on the west flank of their positions on Guadalcanar Island continued slowly, in the face of a stubborn enemy resistance. No other ground activity is reported. United States aircraft from the airfield on Guadalcanar carried out continuous attacks on enemy positions west of the Matanakau river.” The American advance reported by the communique marks the start of a determined drive to oust the Japanese from their only stronghold on Guadalcanar, according to the Washington correspondent of the “New York Times,” Mr Charles Hurd. “The best informed military authorities here believe that the American marines and soldiers outnumber the Japanese forces on Guadalcanar,” he says. “However, an important, well-equipped force of several thousand Japanese landed five or 10 miles west of the Henderson airfield before the great naval battle. This force failed in its efforts to storm the American positions. Furthermore, the sea battle prevented their being reinforced. "With the sea lanes round Guadalcanar temporarily closed, the Americans have apparently begun large-scale action to destroy the Japanese, force before they muster reinforcements for another attempt to regain the initiative. The Americans paved the way for the present offensive by wiping out a diversionary force of 1500 Japanese established east of Henderson field. It appears logical that Vice-Admiral Halsey has probably sent heavy reinforcements of men, aeroplanes, and arms 'o Guadalcanar in order to take advantage of the sea victory.” “The familiar Japanese trick of confusing American sentries by giving orders to them in English no longer works,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Phipps, who has just returned from the Solomons. He related how a marine machine-gunner heard footsteps in the dark and fired a few bursts. A voice called out: “Hold your fire. We arc American troops. I am bringing in my platoon.” The gunner opened fire, wipin'* out an enemy patrol. He later explained: “It was too damned grammatical for a marine.”