U.S. SUCCESS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21066, 10 April 1943, Page 3

U.S. SUCCESS

37 JAPANESE DOWN AERIAL COMBAT GUADALCANAR RAID SHIPPING PROTECTED (Uy Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) WASHINGTON, April 8. A notable success of American lighter pilots, who shot down 37 Japanese planes in combat, is reported in a United States navy communique, which states: “In the south Pacific on Tuesday morning, forces of Dauntless and Avenger divebombers, escorted by Wildcat fighters, attacked Japanese installations at Vila, in the central Solomons. Hits were scored on the target area and large fires started. All the United States planes returned. "In the early evening, three Japanese planes bombed Guadalcanal' Island. There were no casualties to personnel and only slight damage is reported. On Tuesday night Catalina patrol bombers attacked Vila. At the same time, Flying Fortresses attacked enemy installations at Kahili, in the Shortland Island area, and also enemy shipping between Choiseul and Santa Isa Del Islands. “Early on Wednesday morning, a force of Dauntless and Avenger divebombers, escorted by fighters, attacked Vila. Hits were scored on enemy anti-aircraft positions* and in the camp area. A large fire was started. In liie early afternoon, a force ■of Avengers and Dauntlesses, escorted by lighters, attacked Rekata Bay, on Santa Isabel Island. A Japanese fourengined flying boat was destroyed: All the United States planes returned. "Fifty enemy bombers, escorted by 13 Zeros, attacked American shipping in the vicinity of Guadalcanal'. American fighters shot down 21 Zeros, five dive-bombers, and 10 other enemy planes of an unreported type. Another enemy plane was later observed crashing. Seven American planes are missing, but one pilot is safe.”