AUSSIE GAIN

Grey River Argus, 2 December 1943, Page 3

AUSSIE GAIN

IN NEW GUINEA ENEMY AT WAREO Cut Off from Supply (Special to N.Z. Press Assn.) (Rec. 10.20) SYDNEY, Dec. 1. Australian troops have captured the villages of Bonga and Gusika, about ten miles north of Finschhafen, on the Huon Feninsula. These villages, which were held by the Japanese are at the junction of strategically important enemy supply trails. The Australian forces are advancing with tank support. They have now I’eached the mouth of the Kaleurig River. They encountered some resistance about one thousand ygrds south of the river mouth. They quickly overcame it, forcing Japanese forces to withdraw. These Australian gains are in the coastal sector. They have seriously prejudiced the ability of the enemy force that is retreating from Satelberg to make any strong stand in the Wareo area since. They; complicate the carriage of enemy supplies to that point. Wareo is four miles north of Satelberg. It is now threatened by another Australian force. The latter force encountered some opposition on the banks of the Song River, but quickly forced the river crossing. It is continuing to advance. Further disrupting the passage of Japanese supplies in this area’, American light warships on Monday night bombarded the harbour and supply areas at Sio, which is an important Japanese barge base, fifty miles north of Finschh'afen. To make the attack the warships had to penetrate narrow waters of Vitiaz' Strait. This sea bombardment of Sio has evidenced a growing Allied control of the Bismarck Sea, and a tightening grip on Japanese supply; lines. The closest Japanese aerodrome to Sio is that of Cane Gloucester, on the western up island of New Britain. As enemy air interference might have come from there. Cane Gloucester ’drome was heavilv attacked bv Marauders and Mitchells, the fighter escort. Large fires were started. There was no enemy air interception.