JAPS RETIRING

Grey River Argus, 22 December 1943, Page 5

JAPS RETIRING

From South Bougainville (Rec. 9.50) NEwVoRK Dec 21. Admiral Halsey’s spokesman at his South Pacific Headquarteis said Japanese forces are beginning to’ from the heavily-defended southern part of Bougainville Island. Airmen have Seen much foot traffic moving along east coast trails, which is the only route/over which the Japanese in southern Bougainville are able; t move by land, because the American beachhead bars the way westward. There is also a marked increase i barge traffic northward. It is believed that the Japanese are moving considerable numbers from Bum to Buka Island, north of Bougainville. MARINES RELIEVED ON BOUGAINVILLE

(Rec. 11.50) NEW YORK, Dec. 20. Admiral Halsey’s headquarters has announced that United States Army forces under General Harmon, took over ground operations on Bougainville from the Marines on December 15.