DROMES SEIZED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20863, 15 August 1942, Page 3

DROMES SEIZED

AMERICAN FORCES SOLOMON ISLES JAPAN FORESTALLED? NEW AGGRESSIVE MOVES (By Telegrniih—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) U 0 a.m.) SYDNEY, Aug. 15. American observers believe that Japan may be forced to bring her main fleet into action in an effort to save her._positions in the Solomons. No further official details are known of the fighting which is still continuing on sea and land. However, it is confirmed that strong American forces have landed on the fourth island, Malaita, in addition to Tulagi, Guadalcanal- and Florida. Some reports say that American Marines, heavily reinforced, are breaking down the Japanese hold on Tulagi. It is stated that the Japanese had developed Tulagi’s defences to a greater extent than expected. They were evidently determined to make it an important naval base. At least one airfield on Guadalcanar is said to have fallen into Allied hands. The third .postponement of the promised announcement by Tokio radio of the details of the battle may indicate that the fighting is not developing to the liking of the Japanese Command. * More Naval Units Needed American opinion is that the action will require additional strength for the Allied sea forces already engaged. Observers point out that vessels must be deployed throughout the outer area of the battle zone in order to guard against an enemy surprise move and lo prevent reinforcements reaching the islands. Possession of the airfields on Guadalcanar will be of the highest importance to the Allies. Among war correspondents in Australia the opinion jjrows that the Allied offensive against the Solomons narrowly forestalled further aggressive moves by the Japanese. They point to the substantial enemy shipping concentrations in the Rabaul and Banda Sea areas, which suffered heavily from Allied bombing attacks. Further attacks on enemy warships and transports in the New Guinea area were reported in the communique issued yesterday by the SouthWest Pacific Headquarters. These attacks are known to have been made at sea, but no indication has yet been given of the likely destination of the convoy. In counter-operations, the Japanese are reported to be using Zero fighters fitted with floats. These can readily be operated among islands where good landing grounds are scarce, but sheltered sea bases are plentiful. Enemy Convoy Pounded Allied bombers on Thursday struck three times at a Japanese convoy at sea. “Flying Fortresses” and medium bombers, probably Marauders, attacked transports and warships in New Guinea area, but because of adverse weather conditions the results could not be observed. A communique from Allied headquarters says that in the first attack a flight of Allied heavy bombers was intercepted by six Zero fighters. Two enemy planes were shot down and three damaged. The second attack was made by medium bombers. They were intercepted by seven Zero machines, one of which was shot down. The third Allied attacking force was not intercepted. Some of the Allied bombers were damaged but all returned to their bases. .. . - ... .< ... This was the only air combat activity reported in the communique. No further details have been given of Wednesday’s devastating attacks against enemy shipping in Rabaul harbour or of attacks made against other Japanese vessels in Timor and Banda Sea areas. The United States Navy Department announced that a stream of supplies is moving to the Marine forces in the’ Solomons, where they are consolidating their shore positions and progressing satisfactorily.