SIO TAKEN BY A.I.F.

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21305, 18 January 1944, Page 3

SIO TAKEN BY A.I.F.

JAPANESE BASE ENEMY RETREATING

HEAVY ALLIED BOMBING

ißy Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (10.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, Jan: 18. Australian troops, without opposition, on Saturday captured the Japanese barge anchorage and supply point of Sio on the Huon Pennisula, and have advanced three miles further ’to Vincke Point.

This is reported in General 'MacArthur’s latest communique. Apparently the Japanese are still in hasty retreat and have not made a stand since the rearguard action at the Kapugara River. The capture of Sio brings the Australians within 50 miles of the American beach-head at Saidor. Many natural barriers face the Aliatralians in their advance to join the Americans. More than 60 streams, many of them crocodile-infested! have to be crossed along the narrow coastal stip with the Surueagea range forming an effective inland barrier.

A determined enemy stand is expected between Saidor and Bogadjim, 40 miles west. Bogadjim is 17 miles south-east of the strong Japanese base at Madang, where the enemy is known to have heavy troop concentrations. The Japanese positions along. this coastline are under constant Allied air attacks. The communique reports an attack by Allied fighters on the aerodrome at Alexishafen, about 12 miles north of Madang. Three Japanese bombers and a fighter were destroyed on the ground and fires were started among supply dumps. Liberators made a heavy strike against Uligan harbour, pounding gun positions, buildings, stores areas and the 1 missionjetty with 96 tons of bombs. A twomasted enemy schooner was destroyed by a Lightning fighter at Bunabiin. Mitchell bombers caused havoc among huts and gun positions during the coastal sweep from Cape Gourdon to Cape Croisilles.