COMBINED OPERATION

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 2, 2 July 1943, Page 5

COMBINED OPERATION

MACARTHUR IN COMMAND

(Special P.A. Correspondent.)

SYDNEY, July 1

"All elements, ground, naval, and air, are being employed, in the closest synchronisation. The forces of the two areas are operating under their own commanders, the entire movement being under the direction of the Commander-in-Chief, South-west Pacific Area," says General Mac Arthur's communique covering the new opera--tions. . ' ■ •' '-■■- : -.

Naval and air forces as well as ground troops took part in the largescale operations in the New Guinea area.

Before the landing Allied bombers and attack planes heavily bombed and strafed the beaches. . High seas were running and this made the landing difficult, but the personnel reached the shore without loss.

Nassau Bay is only six miles east of Mubo, where Australian troops have been in contact with the enemy for some time. Co-ordinated with the Nassau Bay landing were strong air attacks on Salamaua early yesterday morning. Mitchell medium bombers attacked Japanese positions and supply installations near the aerodrome for two hours.

The Trobriand Islands are 90 miles north of the eastern tip of New Guinea, and the Woodlarks are south-east of the Trobriand group. . Kiriwina, the main island in the Trobr-iands, is only 270 miles from Rabaul, 140 miles from Gasmata, and 320 miles from Faisi.