JAVA REINFORCED

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 43, 20 February 1942, Page 5

JAVA REINFORCED

ALLIED TROOPS ARRIVE

ENEMY SHIP LOSSES

LONDON, February 19

In the Netherlands East Indies fresh Allied troops, including a small number of Americans, have arrived in Java.

It is stated that so far Japan has lost 109 vessels, warships and transports; 26 others were probably sunk and 45 damaged.

Of the grand total, the United States forces sank 84, with 15 probables, and 28 damaged.

From the Netherlands East Indies there is little further news of fresh Japanese attacks. The Batavia communique said today that operations continue in the Palembang area of Sumatra and it confirms that five of the 24 Japanese planes that raided Surabaya were shot down. Some damage was done in the harbour area.

Four enemy fighters were hit and probably destroyed during a machinegun attack on an air field in western Java.

General Mac Arthur's reports from the Pilippines indicate that a heavy attack on his positions is apparently developing.

Today's Washington communique says the enemy is increasing his pressure on the American lines on Batan Peninsula, particularly on the right flank, and that heavy artillery fire continues. Troop movements beyond the Japanese lines are taken to be a regrouping of forces for a resumption of the offensive.