8 WARSHIPS PROBABLY SUNK; 4 DAMAGED

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 160, 8 July 1943, Page 5

8 WARSHIPS PROBABLY SUNK; 4 DAMAGED

Americans Lose One Cruiser, and One Destroyer (Special Australian Correspondent.) Eeceived Wednesday, 10.45 p.m. SYDNEY, July 7. The Allied naval forces scored a striking’ victory ovsr the Japanese in the Kula Gulf (Central Solomons) battle which began on Sunday night and ended on Tuesday. Six enemy cruisers and destroyers ware probably sunk and four damaged for the loss of one American cruiser. The name and tonnage of the American warship has not yet been announcad. This spectacular success is announced in General Mac Arthur’s communique which also reports violent air fighting over the Solomons and increased American pressure against the Japanese airbase at Munda. The details of the naval battle follow the earlier United States Navy communique claiming “considerable damage" to the Japanese forces while admitting “some damage’ to American ships, but full reports of the battle are still awaited. A damaged Japanese destroyer fleeing from the battle area went aground near the mouth of the Babera harbour. The ship was later attacked by Mitchell medium bombers, Dauntless, Avenger and Wildcat and dive-bombers which scored seven direct hits with 5001 b. bombs. Violent explosions and fires followed the attack.

In Washington Colonel Frank Knox declared: “The Japanese have taken a darned good licking.” The American destroyer Strong of 2100 tons, built last year, was torpedoed and sunk in the Kula Gulf during Sunday night’s bombardment of Munda and Vila on the opposite sides of the gulf. The Strong carried a crew of 250 but no details of the casualties are available* Stung by their naval defeat the Japanese made desperate attempts to intercept in the air fighting over Kula Gulf and a series of dogfights ensued.

The purpose of the Japanese naval force in the restricted waters of Kula Gulf is not clear at present. It is not possible to indicate whether they forced their way into the gulf seeking battle with the American forces or whether they were there to protect a convoy. So far there have been no reports of transports and only naval vessels have been mentioned

The Tokio radio maae no specific mention of the battle but claims that heavy losses were inflicted on the Americans between last Wednesday and Sunday. These include the sinking of eight transports, one cruiser and five destroyers. War correspondents in the Solomons Bay that if the Japanese wish to save New Georgia and the surrounding islands action by their fleet seems essential. The Japanese garrison on New Georgia is now isolated from its eupply bases in the Northern Solomons. Complete control of Vangunu Island together with the capture of Viru harbour on New Georgia gives the Allies control of the sea approaches northward through Blanch Channel. The enemy garrison on New Georgia seems to face the choice of surrendering or digging in for another futile and bitter battle to the death.

Correspondents report that mass enemy resistance has not yet been encountered in the land fighting and the American casualties so far have been light. Using infiltration tactics the American troops are continuing almost Imperceptibly to envelop Munda. General MacArthur s communique issued to-day states:-

“Euin-Paisi: Heavy bombers attacked the enemy aerodrome on Ballale Isiand with 20 tons of high explosives, ■tarting fires. Twelve fighters intercepted but all our planes returned. “Kula Gulf: Preliminary despatches report that our naval surface units intercepted an enemy force of cruisers and destroyers in Kula Gulf during the nignt of July 5. Details axe not yet available, and the final assessment cannot be made, but it is indicated that six enemy ships were probably sunk and four damaged. We lost one cruiser.

* • One damaged enemy destroyer beached near Babera harbour was attcaked by our medium and divebombers which scored seven direct hits with 5001 b. bombs, resulting in violefit explosions and fires. Pour of seven intercepting enemy Zeros were shot down by fighter escort. One of our heavy bombers on reconnaissance was attacked by five Zeros and shot down two and probably destroyed a third. “New Georgia, Bairoko harbour: Our torpedo and divebombers attacked the Bnogai inlet area, dropping over 26 tens of explosives on enemy positions.

“A delayed despatch reports the loss of the destroyer Strong during the bombardment of hostile positions during the night of July 4-6. “Bendova: Eighteen enemy bombers attacked our positions shortly after noon, causing moderate casualties and damage. Three planes were shot down by antiaircraft fire. Our ground forces have been reinforced and are consolidating. • *