CRUISER DESTROYED AND OTHERS DAMAGED

Grey River Argus, 2 November 1942, Page 5

CRUISER DESTROYED AND OTHERS DAMAGED

ANOTHER AMERICAN AIRCRAFT-CARRIER LOST

Australians Progressing in New Guinea

Enemy’s Ships Retire .! DESTROYER TORPEDOED. WASHINGTON, October 30. Units of the Japanese fleet in the Solomons have withdrawn to their bases, leaving the Americans, in complete control of the airfield at Guadalcanal stated the United States Secretary to the Navy (Colonel Frank Knox), who said that the first round of the battle was over and they were awaiting the second. There had been no interruption to communications in the Solomons and supplies were getting through. “We are still in Guadalcanal*, occupying every inch we ever controlled,” he said. “Part of the Japanese fleet has retired from the scene. At present there are no surface active operations near the Solomons.” The Navy knew some Japanese warships had. returned to the bases, including supply ships and transports.

A U.S Naw communique states: “During Wednesday, activity ashore at Guadalcanar was confined to small skirmishes between American and enemy patrols. American aircraft from Guadalcanar continued to bomb and strafe enemy positions west of the airfield. Late in the afternoon American ’planes destroyed two enemy seaplanes at Rekata Bay. A total of 12 Japanese light tanks were destroyed in the action during the ■past week. Early on Wednesday morning, enemy bombers attacked Positions at. Guadalcanar. All the bombs dropped in the water and no damage was done. A United States Naw communique stated: On Thursday night, American motor torpedo-boats attacked an enemy destroyer believed to be engaged in reinforcing and supplying enemy troops at Guadalcanar. One torpedo hit was scored on the destroyer, which had stopped when last seen.

severely damaged, subsequently sank. This carrier was twice attacked by enemy bombers and torpedo planes on Monday last, October 26, pear Sant.'.: Cruz Islands (south-east of the Solomons and north of the New Hebrides Islands). , The enemy’s first attack occurred during the forenoon. It caused heavy damage and the aircraft-carrier was then taken in tow in an attempt to salvage her. , „„ „ On Monday afternoon, however, a second attack was made by the Japanese, and this caused further damage below the carrier’s waterline. She then began to list. The ship’s personnel were removed at this time, and the aircraft-carrier later sank. Reports hitherto received .indicate that there were a few casualties. . , This aircraft-carrier and the destroyer ‘(Porter” were the only United States vessels that were lost m the above engagement. (Rec. 8.40.) NEW YORK, Oct. 31. Regarding the Navy communique, the New York “Times’s” Washington correspondent states: “Although the carrier sunk remains, unidentified, it was believed to be either the "Hornet,” the “Saratoga” the “Ranger,” or the “Enterprise.” The reason for withholding the name is in consideration for the next-of-kin, who have not yet been notified of those who were casualties. SYDNEY, October 30.

In a dispatch to the. 8.8. C., the editor of the “Pacific Islands Monthly” (Mr R. W. Robson) says the situation in the Solomons is not one for optimism. It is TuJagi especially which the Japanese want to recapture, as it is an essential base If they want to attack Australia and New Zealand. In the big attempt the Japanese are making their supply lines 4,000 miles long, and thev are gambling as a nation has never gambled before on the hope of regaining their power at sea .