HEAVY PRESSURE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 13 February 1942, Page 5

HEAVY PRESSURE

FURTHER ENEMY ADVANCE

SITUATION IN SINGAPORE

London, lob., 12. 1 he constantly changing situation at Singapore makes it difficult to draw a definite picture. The following, however, was the position at *4.30 p.m. British mean time yesterday as understood in informed quarters in London: I here is continuous heavy pressure along the whole western front. Ihe enemy is using considerable numbers of light and medium tanks. British counter-attacks were successful on the left but later the enemy attacked in great force and it became necessary to withdraw again. At the time of the report the situation in Singapore was stabil ised on a line running approximately from the naval base across the northernmost of the two reservoirs and down by the racecourse to the vicinity of the village of Pasir Panjang, on the south coast. It is understood the line ran north of the reservoir mentioned, which would indicate that this is still in British hands. The racecourse referred to is the old racecourse about five miles north-west of the houses of Singapore city'. Ihe Japanese, according to this interpretation, could use the causeway again if it were repaired, but it is believed this is still under considerable artillery fire. Tokio radio said yesterday: “ 1 he British. Australian, Indian and Chinese troops in the outskirts of Singapore fought with incredible contempt for death in every inch of the northern part of the city'. Continuous bombing has accompanied the last stages of the fighting. Explosions resounded everywhere as the British blew up important plant and buildings. They are reported to have completely destroyed the harbour and other installations.”

Mesages from Singapore tell of the fate of the naval base, which cost i-60.000.000 and took 20 years to build, and of its lloating dock. which was towed 8000 miles from Britain. The graving dock could accommodate the largest ship afloat, and there were huge stores of oil and armaments. All usable plant and supplies have been blown up to prevent them falling into the hands of the enemy and the floating dock has been flooded and sunk. The great base was used for less than a week for a heavy fleet, from the time the Prince of Wales and Repulse arrived in December till both were sunk a few days later. It is pointed out in London that the deep-water anchorage which remains is capable of accommodating vast fleets, but is neutralised by Japanese control of the air bases on the Malaya mainland. JAPANESE CLAIM A Domei dispatch from the Singapore front claimed that the Japanese were preparing to force an entry into the city yesterday. While the main 1 Japanese forces were encircling the pi incipal British defence position? from the south-west, a big battle of annihilation was beginning in the central sector of the island. Strong units of the Japanese air force yesterday morning heavily at- j tacked the railway station and haroour of Singapore. —B.O. W. and P.A.