ENEMY CRUISER HIT

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 231, 25 June 1943, Page 5

ENEMY CRUISER HIT

Allied Bombers Fly To Celebes <

BRILLIANT EXPLOIT

IBy Telegraph Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) (Received June 24, 11 p.m.) SYDNEY, June 24. A Japanese cruiser and a cargo vessel were lilt when a strong formation of American-manned Liberator bombers made a round trip of 2000 miles yesterday to attack Macassar, the important enemy base in Celebes. Five other ships were seen in the harbour. It is officially claimed that this is the second longest distance ever flown by raiding land-based bombers in any war theatre. The longest raid was made by American planes, based on Hawaii, which raided the Japanese-held Wake Island—involving a flight Of 2400 miles. Reporting the raid on Macassar, General MacArthur’s communique today says: “Our heavy bombers at midday struck the major enemy bake of Macassar, dropping more than 38 tons .ot incendiaries and high explosives, ranging un to 20001 b.. each, on the town, docks and shipping in th e harbour, causing heavy damage. Numerous hits on tlie Juliana aud Wilhelmina wharves ana in the town itself started large fires which were visible 70 miles away. “Direct hits with heavy bombs were scored on au enemy cruder which was moored to a dock and on a cargo vessel in the harbour. A single enemy fighter intercepted and was destroyed. Heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered trom the ship and shore. One of our planes failed to return.”. It is stated that the lone intercepting Zero crashed into the wing of a Liberator, causing the big bomber to go into a spin. The Zero had been hit by the Liberator’s guns. The raid on Macassar is regarded as one of the most brilliant exploits of the Pacific air War. It was the first time General MacArthur’s bombers have been over this objective which, before the war, was the fourth city'of the Netherlands East Indies and an important seaplane base. The flight was equivalent to a raid on Naples from England. . On April 25, our bombers dropped 21 tons of bombs. on Kendari, on the opposite side of Celebes. Kendari has been raided on several occasions.

NEW THRUST FAILS Enemy Losses Round Mubo (By Telegraph.— Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.!

(Received June 24,11.25 p.m.) SYDNEY, June 24. Fierce ground fighting Continues round Mubo—the advance post for the Japanese force at Salamaua, in northern New Guinea. At least 64 enemy troops were killed or wounded in a further vain attempt to storm Australian positions on Lababia Ridge, 2000 yards east of Mubo. The new thrust was made about midday yesterday. Australian casualties are reported to be only three Wounded. Recent attacks against Lababia Ridge have cost the Japanese about 200 killed and wounded. The enemy has again been driven back, but forward patrols are reported to be still engaged. There are no reports today of air action in support of either the Allied or Japanese troops. The fact that the enemy has been able to take aggressive action in this area suggests that, in spite of the Allied air blockade of Lae and Salamaua and constant heavy attacks on these centres, the Japanese may be getting supplies through to their forces round Mubo. General JfacArthur’s communiques constantly refer to air attacks on enemy barges and luggers which are evidently being used to sneak down the coast by night. The Japanese are also believed to have used submarines to bring in sorely-needed supplies. SUPPORT FOR CHINESE Stilwell’s Bombers Out CHUNGKING, June 23. Mitchells and Warhawks supported Chinese troops on Tungting Lake on Mondav, heavily bombing and strafing three Japanese bases and enemy Shipping, says General Stilwell’s communique. A huge fire was left burning, aud many direct hits were scored among warehouses at Hwajung. Extensive damage was done to supply depots and casualties were inflicted on troop concentrations at Shihihow. _ , Gunboats and a river tug near Takingyi were sunk and two steamers are believed to have been sunk. Chinese communique, reporting an attack against Shihihow, said that six Japanese motor-launches were sunk and many casualties inflicted. The Chinese also report that a Japanese thrust in the Kinhwa Sector was repulsed With tho loss of 200 men. A Chinese Government spokesman declared that China would reject any Japanese attempt to persuade her to make a separate peace. The Japanese in the past six months had launched many peace offensives, but the Chinese had totally ignored them. The Chinese morale was very high aud there was no danger of economic collapse.