NEARER BORNEO

Grey River Argus, 21 April 1945, Page 5

NEARER BORNEO

MACARTHUR’S LANDING More Enemy Ships Sunk (Rec. 9.5.) WASHINGTON, April 19. Taking full advantage of surprise landings, our 24th. Division on Min? danao Island, with heavy air support, moved southward 15 miles in simultaneous shore to shore assaults, to capture Cotabate and Tamontake, controlling, the north shore of the Mindanao River, says General MacArthur’s communique. “After positions were quickly consolidated, amphibious drives were carried up both forks of the river to a road junction, Lomopog, 22 miles inland. Cur northern beach-head at Malsbang is rapidly expanding, an airfield is already operating and unloading u proceeding satisfactorily. In the Baguio sector, on Luzon, there was an enemy counter-attack, supported by tanks, along a highway leading north-west of the city. It was repulsed. Tanks were destroyed. Encirclement and destruction of isolated enemy strongpoints surrounding Baguio continue. “We have seized Balabac Island, south of F'alawan, thus bringing our forces within 45 miles of the north tip of Borneo. “Our aircraft continue systematic reduction of Formosa ah’ bases and railway installations, destroying or damaging many ’planes on the ground. Our ’planes in the China Sea sank a north-bound transport of 1,300 tons, loaded with troops; and also wrecked two coasters, and swept railways on the Indo-China coast. Our heavy bombers wrecked petrol storage tanks at Tarakan. The enemy’s oil supply, from this area has ceased. “We sank three freighters and seven coasters in the Netherlands East Indies area. ‘'‘Australian forces have occupied the, coastal village of Wisling, 17 miles west of Wewak, in New Guinea. They also have captured a position south-west of M'aprik. Our bombers and fighters flew 190 sorties against enemy installations at Rabaul, and in New Ireland, Bougainville and New Guinea.