HEAVY BOMBING

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 272, 12 August 1943, Page 5

HEAVY BOMBING

Raids In Southern Pacific (Received August 11,11 p.m.) SYDNEY, August 11. The Japanese positions at Salamaua, northern New Guinea, have been battered under 227 tons of bombs in two days this week. Widespread damage done included the destruction of two ammunition dumps, several food dumps, and a number of buildings. Giving further details of Monday’s attack, General MacArthur’s latest communique says 142 tons of explosives were dropped. Yesterday, relays of Liberators added-85 tons in three sweeps made within 20 minutes. Monday’s raid was the heaviest on any area in a single day of the New Guinea campaign. Yesterday’s targets included Salamaua township and isthmus, and Kela and Asini villages. Over the Arafura Sea, Spitfires yesterday destroyed two Japanese float planes reconnoitring our shipping lanes north-east of Millingimbi. In the Solomons American forces are pressing closer on the garrison at Bairoko Harbour, the last enemy-held position on New Georgia. They have now reached the Bairoko River, two miles south-east of the harbour. Over Rendova Island, 50 Japanese bombers and fighters were dispersed by 14 Airneobrns, Kittyhawks and Warhawks, Two Zeros were shot down. One Allied fighter was lost, but the pilot was saved. In Vella Gulf on Monday night Allied light naval craft probably sank two of four enemy barges. A further check has revealed between 30 and 40 wrecked enemy aircraft on the captured Munda airfield.