PREVENTING ESCAPE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 33, 7 August 1943, Page 7

PREVENTING ESCAPE

SEA PATROL BY ALLIES

(Special P.A. Correspondent.) SYDNEY, August 6. To thwart attempts by the Japanese to escape to Kulombangra by barges, the Allied sea patrol around New Georgia has been intensified. Enemy barges and a 100-foot coastal vessel have been destroyed in these waters during: the past two nights. Few of the 5000 enemy troops on Munda are expected to escape. The first portion of the aerodrome was taken when troops, using tanks, flame-throwers, and artillery seized the eastern slopes of Kokcngolo Hill between the runway and the dispersal area. The Japanese garrison maintained a precarious footing along a front of about 1500 yards. The enemy positions dominated the .landing strip, denying the Americans the use of the airfield, but the encircling force closed in, tanks supporting the infantry. The Japanese airstrip on Munda is only 4000 feet long, but an Australian correspondent says that it will be possible to extend the strip a further 2000 feet to accommodate American heavy bombers. American construction battalions are expected to have the field in operation shortly. Allied airmen, also alert for Japanese attempts at escape by sea, have attacked enemy barges in the Kulom-

bangra area. Reporting these activities, General Mac Arthur's communique today said: "New Georgia and Munda: On the right flank our forces broke through to the western shore, 600 yards north of Gurasai. At the aerodrome, our forward elements made further advances along the southern part of the field, while the elements on the right, with tank support, seized the eastern slopes of Kokengolo Hill. The enemy sustained heavy casualties throughout the day. The Munda garrison is now completely encircled and is being slowly destroyed. Our light naval craft on [ night patrol sank two enemy barges north-west of Munda and a small coastal vessel in Blackett Strait." In the New Guinea land fighting the Japanese have been heavily repulsed in counter-attacks .south of Salamaua. The chief fighting has taken place in the Bobdubi and Mount Tambu regions, about seven miles from the enemy base.