UNOPPOSED ADVANCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 112, 13 May 1944, Page 7

UNOPPOSED ADVANCE

UNOPPOSED_ADVANCE DRIVE IN NEW GUINEA (Special P.A. Correspondent) SYDNEY, May 12Australian infantry units in British New Guinea are nearing Cape Croiselles, 16 miles north of Alexishafen, and 24 mites north of Madang. They have had no contact with, the enemy and it is apparent that the Japanese in the area, are continuing to withdraw towards Hansa Bay. Other Ausr tralian patrols have been probing, inland, and, like those on the coast, have not met any opposition. Cape . Croiselles, the' next objective of the -Australians' coastal, drive, is flanked by the Isumrud Strait, between New Guinea and Karfcar Island. This island, a' former' Japanese stronghold, appears to have been abandoned by the enemy,\ according to reports by reconnaissance pilots. " - A! heavy air attack on the centre of the Japanese concentration area in British New Guinea is ' reported by General MacArtbur's communique today. Allied fighters and bombers were over Wewak on Wednesday in numerous' waves.. More than 100 tons of explosives caused fires irx. the" supply areas, . ' . • : Liberators from the Solomons, striking against Japanese bases in the Caroling made craters in the concrete runway, of the airfield at Wqleai. One of 20 Liberators' was lost when an equal number of enemy fighters intercepted the planes.. Other bombers from Solomons bases again attacked Rabaul: It has been announced by General iMacArthur's headquarters, that 10,200 tons, of bombs have been unloaded on ißabaul from November 12' to May j It ds. believed; that the' enemy now 1 only has a few hundred effective troops left in: the Admiralty Group. They are concentrated in the southern portion of Manus Island, where-they will soon be compelled to make a last : stand. ■ . ' ■