MOUNTS IN FURY

Grey River Argus, 8 January 1944, Page 5

MOUNTS IN FURY

Japanese Losses [Aust. & N.Z. Press Assn.] (Rec. 9.50.) SYDNEY, Jan. 7. Land fighting is mounting in fury on Cape Gloucester. American Mai / ines have slaughtered a further six hundred Japanese in a day-long battle in the Bore-en Bay area. The total of enemy killed counted at Cape Gloucester since the Marines Landen on December 26 is now nearly two thousand. The actual number of the Japanese casualties may have been four times that figure. The Marines are at present making a push to drive enemv troops back from their Borgen Bay . strongholds. The Marines in this have strong artillery and tank support as ■well as direct air support. The .Japanese strength is beheveo to have come from the interior where the country is rugged and is heavily timbered. . 1 The Japanese are also making an increased use of artillery. _ • No reports have been received ot land operations at Arawe, in Southern New Britain, where Americans landed on December 15. They are consolidating their hold of Cape Merkus Peninsula area.