AUSTRALIAN ARMY

Grey River Argus, 27 June 1945, Page 8

AUSTRALIAN ARMY

OPERATIONAL REVIEW. WELLINGTON, June 21. Australian troops have made another amphibious assault on the Borneo mainland at Mempakul peninsula between Klias river and the ocean. Mempakul is due east of Labuan island a distance of about 9 miles. Within four hours of landing troops had established a line one mile inland on the north slopes of the ridge connecting Menumboc with Klias. Forward scouts have contacted a Japanese party South West of Kinanap where they were met with light machine gun and mortar fire. The western force continues to drive forward. After overcoming resistance from one enemy, position Australians occupied Lingkungan. During subsequent patrolling another small enemy position was encountered approximately 400 yards north of Lingkungan. No opposition was offered to the Australian occupation of Limbang which had been the objective of the drive, south from Brunei town. Wharves south of Limbang river were found to be in good condition.

Continuing their drive east of Brunei which had reached Tutong a few days ago Australians have pushed along the coast towards Seria and have reached a point 5,000 yards south west of Danau. A patrol along the Tutong river reached Abang without contact. Five large fires in the Misiseria area were visible from Tutong. On Labuan island the enemy pocket west of Albuan airstrip which has been holding out for some time is being whittled away, by attacking Australians. The position is surrounded but the Japanese are offering most stubborn resistance. More enemy w'ere killed in yesterday’s forays through the thick country around the position. The area is reported to be honeycombed with tunnels and daily is being subjected to pounding from artillery and aerial bombings. Navy and field guns are being used'. On Tarakan the end of the seventh week of fighting saw active„ patrolling and probing of enemy positions in the Essie ridge area. As in Labuan, the . Japanese is here defying all attempts to rout him from last pocket resistance. Counted enemy dead in all Borneo operations now totals 1336 of which 1087 have been killed on Tarakan. MANPOWER IN AUSTRALIA

On June 1, the Acting Prime Minister, Mr. Chifley, announced that the Australian Services personnel would be reduced by 50,000 men before December. The War Cabinet approved these releases so that men urgently required in the civil economy could be diverted to industry. In addition, investigating committees have been established by the Government to review nonoperational establishments in j the armed services and the civil staffing of wartime activities, with a view to releasing employees. These committees will review the large number of men employed in headquarters bases and administrative units. All men with more than five years service in Army or Air Force, who have been in operational work overseas, will be given option of taking their discharge. All Navy, Army and Air Force men captured in the Middle East campaigns will be given the option of discharge on their return to Australia. In deciding order of releases for long-service soldiers, special priorities will be” given to married men with family responsibilities. Air crew personnel, completely trained, but not required' by the R.A.A.F. for operational crews, will be placed on R.A.F. reserve and released to civil life. Men now undergoing basic Air Force training will be given option of remustering for ground staff or returning to civil life.