HEAVIER AIR BLOWS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 24, 28 July 1943, Page 5

HEAVIER AIR BLOWS

ADVANCE OF U.S. TROOPS (Special P.A. Correspondent.) SYDNEY, July 27. The heaviest air attacks yet made in the New Guinea theatre were launched yesterday, when Fortresses and Liberators bombarded . Japanese positions round Koniiatum. and Salamaua. This aerial assault, when 140 tons of bombs were dropped, is believed to presage a new phase in "the battle for Salamaua. During the day Lightnings and Kittyhawks fought furious dogfights with 30 or more Zeros, shooting down 11, and probably destroying five more. One Allied fighter was lost, but the pilot is believed to be safe. It was announced by the Minister of Air, Mr. Drakeford, that since Japan entered the war the R.A.A.F. had destroyed 1225 enemy aircraft, probably destroyed 419, and damaged 521 in the South-west Pacific area. SYDNEY, July 27. After a heavy bombardment of Japanese positions round Munda from the air and sea, American troops yesterday made a drive which moved the whole Allied line as far as 500 yards towards the enemy stronghold. The stubborn Japanese defences have been softened by naval shelling and air attacks. On Sunday evening and yesterday morning Dauntlesses, Avengers, Wildcats, and Corsairs swept over enemy positions north-east of Munda. Allied long-range fighters and light, naval vessels, probably motor torpedoboats, are harassing Japanese barge communications in the Solomons. The [ enemy appears to have been endeavouring to supply his isolated forces in New Georgia by running barges from Kolombangara Island. General Mac Arthur's communique reported:— "New Georgia: Our torpedo and divebombers in evening and dawn attacks dropped 82 tons of bombs on enemy gun positions covering the aerodrome. We lost one plane, but the crew was saved. Our surface and naval forces bombarded and our ground forces increased their pressure by a general advance along the whole line of up to 500 yards. "Vangunu Island: A number of enemy planes harmlessly raided Oloana Bay before dawn." ,