Important Jap. Base Of Madang Falls To Australian Forces

Northern Advocate, 28 April 1944, Page 3

Important Jap. Base Of Madang Falls To Australian Forces

(Special) SYDNEY. This Day. Australian forces have captured Madang, formerly one of the most formidable Japanese bases in New Guinea. Great quantities of arms, supplies and other equipment have been taken by the Australians who entered -the town after overcoming light rearguard opposition. The capture of Madang brings to a successful conclusion the difficult campaign through the Ramu Valley, during which the Australians had to overcome some of the worst conditions of the New Guinea war. Madang is 22 air miles north of Bogadjim and 280 air miles south-east of Aitape, one of three points invaded by American forces last Saturday.

The next Japanese base to Madang is Alexishafen, about eight miles further up the coast. The Australians entered Madang on Monday afternoon. Main Body Moves Out

Conditions at the base suggest that the main body of Japanese formerly garrisoned there had abandoned it about a month ago. Extensive demolitions had been carried out. but great quantities of stores had been left. Meanwhile, far to the north-west of Madang, American forces operating on 150 miles of invasion coast, have had further outstanding successes. On Tuesday, troops at Hollandia, 400 miles from Madang, seized Cyclops and Sentani airfields and are now moving against Hollandia airfield, third and most important aerodrome in the area. The troops who captured Sentani and Cyclops crossed Lake Sentani in amphibious armoured fighting vehicles to take the airstrips. This force is expected soon to link up with a second American column advancing from its landing-point at Tanahmerah Bay. Allied Net Closing-

Allied aircraft, probably operating from the captured airfield at Aitape. are bombing and strafing Japanese escape routes leading south-west from Hollandia.

This use of Aitape airfield, combined with the capture of airfields at Madang and Hollandia, means that the Allied net is fast closing on the imprisoned Japanese 18th army of 60.000 men. General MacArthur is convinced that this enemy force will make a final stand, but at what point remains a matter for conjecture. As well as a valuable airfield, Madang will afford excellent facilities. Cnee the capital of German New Guinea, it was occupied by the Japanese late in 1942. The campaign, of which its capture marks the climax, began in October last year, following an airborne landing of the Seventh Australian Division at Nadzab. Sole Jap. Air Activity

Sole Japanese air offensive reported by General MacArthur’s communique today was a night attack by torpedobombers against an Allied warship off Hollandia. No hits were scored. Enemy torpedo-bombers are believed to have come from a base at Geelvink Bay, 400 miles north-west of Hollandia. This area was heavily attacked by Liberators which destroyed 20 parked aircraft on Kamiri airfield in a dusk attack. Three intercepting enemy fighters were also shot down. Although some thousand Japanese are reported to have been killed at Hollandia, the absence of expected large-scale enemy resistance in the area continues to be puzzling. Official estimates on Saturday indicated that there were about 15,000 Japanese at Hollandia and 500 to 1000 at Aitape, but the invasion forces have contacted few enemy troops. Failing to make stands on terrain suitable for defence, the enemy garrisons appear to have withdrawn into the hills. Pattern For The Future

The leap-frogging operation at Hollandia and the complete co-operation of ground, sea and air forces had set a pattern for future drives against Japan, said the United States Secretary for War (Mr Stimson), addressing a Press conference. He added that there is evidence that future hops can be even longer. The landing at Hollandia should raise well-deserved alarm in the minds of the Japanese, who are fully aware that the mounting Allied strength threatens the Japanese Empire and endangers their home islands.