HEAVY RAIN IN PAPUA

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 94, 15 January 1943, Page 5

HEAVY RAIN IN PAPUA

Allies Held Up ENEMY DEFENCES AT SANANANDA Steady Attack By Air

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) (Received January 14, 8.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, January 14. Torrential rain in northern Papua is preventing thu development of Allied moves against the remaining Japanese strongpoints at Sananaitda. The whole area is now a quagmire. Some recent small Allied gains have been made after infantrymen approached the Japanese defences through mud up to their armpits. These defences, excellently sited and concealed and protected both by terrain and inter-supporting fire, have been under steady- attack from our planes. Allied air attacks, however, are aimed principally at the destruction of supply dumps. The Japanese at Sanananda are believed to be fairly well provided with food, but for some time they have been carefully husbanding ninmuuition. This may be due partially to a disinclination to reveal gun positions. Widespread Allied air attacks were made on Wednesday against tlie enemy in the northern New Guinea bases of Lae, Salamaua, Finschhafen and Madttng. The raid on Lae was made by Fortresses. Mitchells and Beaufighters, escorted by Lockheed Lightnings. It was particularly heavy. Official, reports claim that substantial damage was done to harbour installations and in the airport area. At the nearby Malahang airfield a Japanese fighter was destroyed on the ground. Ten miles on the trail south from Salainaua. Komntium was again strafed by Douglas Havocs. Merauke Raided Again. The Japanese are continuing their raids on Merauke. On Wednesday nine Kawasaki heavy bombers attacked the Urea, causing damage to the jetty. This is the sixth raid on Merauke in 16 days. Tlie heaviest attack was on December 3 1 , when 18 bombers were sent over. It is stated officially that these persistent attacks have caused little damage. Despite incessant, bombing by American heavy and medium bombers, tlie Japanese are reported again to be using Munda airfield in the Solomons. Some earlier reports suggested that the field had been bombed out of use. Situated in New Georgia Island, 150 miles north of Guadalcanal, the field is importantly placed for Japanese operations in tlie Solomons. It would provide valuable land-based air support for any new southward offensive action.