Sterling N.Z. Jungle Fighters Clear Nissan Of Last Japanese

Northern Advocate, 25 February 1944, Page 3

Sterling N.Z. Jungle Fighters Clear Nissan Of Last Japanese

(Official N.Z.E.F. War Correspondent) N.Z. Battle Headquarters, Pacific, Feb. 23. More than 60 Japanese were killed by units of New Zealanders at Nissan in a fierce encounter lasting from midday to nightfall. Our losses were remarkably light. Japanese killed included four officers, and this is believed to be the last of organised resistance on Nissan. An area thought to be clear was being reconnoitered by a party under command of Captain B. Stronach. of Christchurch, for possible brigade headquarters. The party was resting and bathing when a shot from a sniper revealed the presence of Japanese who had eluded the New Zealand sweep through the island by hiding in caves and jungle. Captain Stronach quickly organised his few men, forming a perimeter and holding off the Japanese until reinforcements arrived. First on the scene was a platoon of machine-gunners, then a squadron of tanks. The Japaneseoccupied area was heavily pasted with shrapnel. A tank commanded by Sergeant R. H. H. Beetham, of Masterton, rescued one man who had lain in the field of fire for three hours.

Drove Enemy Into Pocket It was impossible to estimate the Japanese strength. Hidden among trees and, coral rock, they poured rifle and machinegun fire upon our men. Major A. B. Bullen (Auckland) had arrived with two platoons by 3.30 p.m. and he took command of the action, executing an encircling movement which relieved Captain Stronach and his small party and slowly drove the Japanese into a small pandanus grove on the coast. New Zealanders made the most effective use of hand-grenades in this move. Though each order brought a rain of lead in his direction, Major Bullen controlled all movement by voice, shouting above the din of firing and grenade explosions. With only a quarter of an hour of daylight to finish the job. he ordered a final assault and the men stumbled and lurched over jagged, coral rook and splaying roots as they ran forward under cover of their own grenades and rifle five. Fifty-one enemy dead were counted in the area, eight others were downed by Tommygunners as they tried to escape along the coast and four more dead were picked up next day. One wounded Japanese killed himself with a grenade. The action proved a stern test of the. great qualities of New Zealanders as jungle fighters. By their boldness and superior skill they outfought and outwitted the Japanese in jungle tactics. The men engaged are now' .receiving the highest praise for courage and initiative.

Air cover at Nissan is proving remarkably effective. Night fighters shot down bombers near the island.