A.I.F. NEARING TOWN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21756, 4 July 1945, Page 3

A.I.F. NEARING TOWN

BALIKPAPAN ZONE

OIL PLANTS IN RUINS (By Telegraph— Press Assn. —Copyright.) .(10 ia.rn.) NEW YORK. July J. The ' Australian Seventh Division, which lias already secured three miles of beach eastward of Balik- i papan, Borneo, is striking .for the town’s two airfields, military prizes which would bare Japan’s remaining East Indies’ positions to close Allied attacks, says the Associated Press correspondent in Manila. The Australians by nightfall on Sunday had over-run more than half the Klandasan sertion. Despite stiffening resistance the Allied losses were declared to be still light. The capture of a 200 ft hill on the Australians’ left flank halted the accurate mortar and machine-gun ‘ fire with which the Japanese had been harassing them. The .invaders have not yet taken any 1 important industrial areas, but all the refineries and tank farms •appeared to be total ruins. Elements of the Dutch East Indies Army landed with the Australians to help to blast a path for Dutch oil experts who have been assigned to restore Balikpapan’s oil installations. Delivery of Supplies

Rear-Admiral Noble, commander or the Seventh Fleet’s amphibious gro.up, reported that the unloading of supplies is proceeding 'satisfactorily. Lieutenant-General Sir Leslie Morshead, the Australian corps commander, told the Associated Press correspondent; “The campaign strategically in the first few hours on •UMasibn day.” , When the Australians captured the vital Paramatta ridge their positions on top of the heavily-bombed height placed the Australians within a mile of Balikpapan's central docks and refineries. 'fhe Australians are now within 1500 yards of Balikpapan, while the right flank has plunged swiftly eastward, threatening the imminent capture of the Sepingnang airstrip. Japanese resistance is increasing. Enemv sin guns, hitherto hidden, have opened up on the beaches. Meanwhile, the deeply entrenched Japanese .are suffering steady artillery fire from Australian 25 pounders and also aerial bombardment from carrier planes and naval gunfire. , ~ Approximately 7000 Australian troops had landed at Balikpapan by Monday night, headed by two heavy tanks and 50 medium tanks, says the Tokio radio. One hundred and seventy planes supported the operations. Warships in the area have increased and include five cruisers and 50 transports and other types.