JAP AIR RAIDS

Grey River Argus, 23 September 1943, Page 5

JAP AIR RAIDS

TWO IN SOLOMONS One in Lae Area ENEMY LOSES 23 PLANES (Rec. 9.15) SYDNEY. Sept. 22. Japanese planes are attempting to interfere with the exploitation of Allied gains in the Lae area. Nadzab. in the Markham Valley, which was captured by the Allies as a preliminary to the drive on Lae, was raided by nine enemy bombers, which were escorted by sixteen fighters. Lightnings intercepted the raiders, noth before and during the raid. They shot down three enemy machines and probably a fourth. There was a loss of one Allied plane. The enemy bombers caused minor damage and casualties. i In daylight the Japanese made an air raid on Monday on American positions at Barakona, Vella Laveila Island, in the Central Solomons. Admiral Halsey’s fighters intercepted the raiding force. The enemy planes comprised thirty dive-bombers and these were covered by twenty fighters. There war. a running battle. The American fightr planes destroyed twelve of the bomoers and live fighters. The Americans lost three of their aircraft. Anti-aircraft lire destroyed three additional bombers. The Japanese thus lost altogether 15 dive-bombers and five fighters. A Japanese aircraft at night raided American positons on the Island of Guadalacanar. Three enemy planes caused slight damage and casualties. JAPANESE ANXIETY NEW YORK, Sept. 1. Tokio radio announced that the Japanese Cabinet, at an extraordinary session, decided on drastic measures and changes on the home front to meet the present grave war situation. Details will be announced to-morrow, when Tojo is broadcasting.