WHOLE-DAY BLITZ

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21064, 8 April 1943, Page 3

WHOLE-DAY BLITZ

SALAMAUA POUNDED LARGE FIRES STARTED ALLIED RAIDS IN PACIFIC (By Telegraph- Press Atwn.—Copyright..) (11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY. April 3. Mitchell medium bombers and Boston attack bombers and Flying Fortresses made a heavy raid on Salamaua on Tuesday. The attack against this already much-blitzed enemy base lasted throughout a day of otherwise minor activity in the south-west Pacific area. Scattered anti-aircraft lire was encountered by the first waves of Mitchells and Bostons, but the barrage later became intense ns the air attacks developed. A communique issued by General MacArthur states:— “Arui Islands: One of our medium units bombed and strafed enemy installations atWokam and Kenari from a low altitude. “Tenimber Islands: One of our medium bombers raided the village of Alitit. "New Britain, Gasmata: One of our heavy units raided the aerodrome and bombed and strafed an enemy coastal vessel near Montagu harbour.

■‘Cape Gloucester: One of our heavy bombers strafed the waterfront area. "Finsehafen: One of our heavy units strafed the aerodrome from a low altitude, starting fires. “New Guinea, Salamaua: In a coordinated low level sweep, our medium and attack units heavily bombed the town, starting large fires and silencing anti-aircraft positions. Later one of our heavy units bombed the jetty area, demolishing supply warehouses. No enemy aircraft were encountered during the day.”