U.S. ADVANCE

Grey River Argus, 25 November 1942, Page 5

U.S. ADVANCE

On Guadalcanar [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] WASHINGTON, November 23 A Naw communique says: On^ Sunday a n advance of United States forces on the west flank of their positions on Guadalcanar continued slowly in the face of stubborn enemy resistance. No other ground activity is reported. United States aircraft from the airfield on Guadalcanal carried out continuous attacks on enemy positions west of Matanikaa River. . , , Lieutenant-Colonel Phipps, who has just returned from the Solomons, related how a Marine machine-gunner heard footsteps in the dark and fired a few bursts. A voice called out: “Hold your fire! We ar e American troops. I am bringing in niy platoon.” The gunner opened fire, wiping out the enemy patrol. He later explained, “It was too damned grammatical for a Marine!” ( American Object TO OUST ENEMY FROM GUADALCANAR. BEFORE HE IS FURTHER REINFORCED. (Rec. 11.10.) NEW YORK, Nov., 23 .An American advance in Guadalcanar has been reported in a United States communique. This marks the start of a determined drive designed to oust the Japanese forces from their only stronghold on Guadalcanar Island, according to a York Times” correspondent, Mr Charles, Hurd. He says: “The best informed military authorities here believe that American Marines and soldiers now outnumber the Japanese forces on Guadalcanar Island. “However, an important and well equipped force of several thousand Japanese was landed from five to ten miles west of the Henderson air field before the recent great naval battle This force has failed in its efforts to storm American positions. Furthermore, the recent sea battle prevented their reinforcement. “With the sea lanes around Guadalcanar Island temporarily closed, the Americans have, apparently, oegun a large-scale action designed to destroy the Japanese force before they must'eJri reinforcements liar (another at-i tempt to regain the initiative. The Americans paved the way for their present offensive by wiping out a diversionary force of fifteen hundred Japanese who were established eastward of the Henderson field. It appears logical to think that Admiral Halsey has probably sent heavy reinforcements of, men, ’planes and arms to Guadalcanar in order to take advantage of the recent sea victory.”