Positions Held Against Heavy Pressure

Manawatu Times, Volume 67, Issue 22, 27 January 1942, Page 5

Positions Held Against Heavy Pressure

(British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Jan. 25. A Far East communique issued at Singapore to-day states: “Since yesterday, our troops have maintained their positions in the face of heavy Japanese pressure, supported by continuous fighter and bomber attaeks. “Ifl the east, at Merging, enemy ground activity was confined to patrolling and has been considerably harassed by our artillery. In the centre, north of Kluang, our forces attacked the enemy with some success yesterday afternoon. Japanese aircraft were active throughout the day. Our aircraft carried out normal patrols in support of our forward troops. In the Batu Pahat area, on the west coast, fighting continues.

“Considerable numbers of Australians and Indians who were cut off in the Parit Sulong area and had to be supplied by air have now rejoined our main bodies after bitter fighting,” the communique adds. “During the night, aircraft of the Far East Command carried out a heavy and successful attack on military objectives at Labis. Several tons of bombs were dropped from low altitudes, caused considerable damage, and started a number of fires. Hits Were observed on railway lines and roads, and on the railway junction, where a bridge appeared to be demolished.

“Our fighters intercepted and drove off a force of enemy bombers over Johore this morning. When engaged, the enemy aircraft just jettisoned their bombs and withdrew. One enemy Aircraft was probably destroyed and three others damaged.’’ Parit Sulong, from which the cut-off Australian and Indian troops have now rejoined their main bodies, is 16 miles north of Batu Pahat, on the west coast.