JAP AIR LOSSES

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 250, 20 July 1942, Page 6

JAP AIR LOSSES

Three Planes Shot Down NORTH OF AUSTRALIA (By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) SYDNEY, July 19. Two Japanese float-planes and a Zero fighter were shot down in an engagement in the south-west Pacific on Friday. We suffered no losses. Three enemy float-planes which attacked a lone Allied aircraft on a reconnaissance flight near Tulagi in the Solomons were given a warm reception. Our aircraft shot down two of the enemy without damage to itself. Float-planes have been used by the Japanese to the extent of their coverage in the area north of Australia, where landing grounds are not available. They are believed to be armed similarly to land lighters. Another of our air units was on reconnaissance over Timor when they were intercepted by two Zero lighters. One of the enemy planes was shot down. Our Air Force also bombed wharf installations and shipping at Rabaul. No claims of damage are made in the south-west Pacific headquarters communique. United States Army Air Corps awards for gallantry in the south-west Pacific just announced include Captain William Hennon, Minnesota, who received the silver star for taking odds of 17 to one in an air fight against the Japanese. He was opposed singly to 17 enemy heavy bombers. He shot down one bomber and damaged several others.