Australian Troops Overlook Salamaua

Northern Advocate, 21 August 1943, Page 3

Australian Troops Overlook Salamaua

(Special) SYDNEY, This Day. With the capture of Bobdubi ridge, reported in today's communique from General MacArthur’s headquarters, Allied land forces are now only about two miles from the enemy air strip at Salamaua. Northern New Guinea. The Komiatum trail, by which the Japanese supply their forward positions, has been cut. The Allied threat to the enemy garrison at Salamaua itself has been considerably increased. The latest gain was made by Australian troops, who now command all high ground on a three-mile front. Some positions overlook Salamaua. War correspondents in this area report that Allied forces have also occupied the whole 2000 yd. length of Roosevelt Ridge, which was captured a few days ago after months of solid lighting backed by heavy air and artillery barrages. This ridge extends inland from the sea. The Japanese, however, continue to occupy some dominating positions. Allied troops at forward posts are now able to watch our aerial assaults on Salnmaua. Latest attacks were naade on Thursday by Flying Fortresses and Liberators. Our bombers were completely unchallenged. The Japanese did not put up any anti-aircraft fire and there was no attempt at fighter interception. Off : New Georgia Coast The only report on ground activity in (he Solomons is that a small pocket of Japanese resistance which developed on F.aanca Island off the New Georgian coast near Munda is being' liquidated, ii is believed that a small enemy force escaped to Baanea from Munda. It was reported earlier that Munda had been shelled by enemy artillery on Baanea. Allied light surface mils continue to lie active in the Kula Gulf between Bairoko and Vila. Enemy barges were dispersed during the night. Liberators on Wednesday scored near misses against a 7000 ton merchantman off Kavieng. New Ireland. North of Australia another Liberator struck and damaged a small enemy coastal vessel and lugger.