RABAUL RAIDED

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 June 1943, Page 5

RABAUL RAIDED

MANY FIRES ON DROMES

OTHER BASES ATTACKED

(N.Z.P.A. Special Australian Correspondent)

SYDNEY, June 11. In a smashing night raid lasting three hours Flying Fortresses and Liberators dropped nearly 40 ions of bombs in three aerodromes round Japan’s key southern Pacific base of Rabaul. Lakunai aerodrome, south of the town, was the chief objective, but Vunakanau and Rapopo were also heavily attacked. Earlier reconnaissance flights had revealed a concentration of 149 Japanese bombers and fighters on the Vunakanau and Rapopo aerodromes, General MacArthur’s spokesman said to-dav. Five waves of Allied bombers made the attacks, which were the heaviest against Rabaul since March 23, when 54 tons of bombs were dropped. Intense anti-aircraft fire and interception by three enemy night fighters, all of which were- driven off, -inflicted no casualties on the Allied aeroplanes, all of which returned. The bombs dropped included high explosive, fragmentation and incendiary types. . Detailing results of the raid, General MacArthur’s communique says: “One thousand pound bombs caused violent explosions, indicating hits on ammunition dumps. Numerous large fires were started and these were visible 50 miles away. Many small fires —more than 19 were actually counted in the dispersal bays —indicating burning aircraft. Several searchlights at Vunakanau were simultaneously extinguished by one bomb burst.” . The attack on Rabaul is the only major operation reported in General MacArthur’s latest communique. Three other raids have been made during the last 24 hours by Allied bombers engaged on armed reconnaissance. A Catalina made a night attack on Gasmata aerodrome, m New Britain. North of Australia, a heavy bomber attacked a 1000-ton enemy cargo ship entering Kokas harbour, on the McCluer Gulf, on the south coast of Dutch New Guinea. Damaging close misses at the stern with 5001 b bombs left the ship stationary in the water. The town area and shipping in the harbour at Sorong, on the westerly tip of Dutch New Guinea, were also attacked. Large explosions and fires occurred near the jetty.

FOUR JAP. BOMBERS LOST

RUGBY, June 11.

- A United States Navy communique states: In the South Pacific yesterday, Corsair Lightning fighters intercepted and shot down four Mitsubishi bombers over the north end of Malaito (Island. On the same day, enemy positions at Vila, Kolombangara Island, were attacked by Liberators. Warhawks and Lightnings with unobserved results.

INVASION” PROSPECTS

SYDNEY, June 11

Mr. Curtin’s declaration that Australia cannot now be invaded was criticised to-day by the Opposition leader (Mr. A. W. Fadden). Asking to what degree Mr. Curtin’s optimism was supported by General MacArthur, Mr. Fadden said it was significant that the South-west Pacific Commander-in-Chief was silent on the subject. “For my part I think it a bold statement to make,” said Mr. Fadden, who pointed out that it came from the Prime Minister at a time when general elections are contemplated. “My advice to Australians is to stick io their arms, their machines, and their jobs,” ho said.