Vigorous Enemy Counter-attack

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 11 August 1942, Page 5

Vigorous Enemy Counter-attack

CRUISER SUNK : OTHER SHIPS DAMAGED (Rec. 11.45 a.m.) Washington, Aug. 10. Admiral King announced that American forces landed in the south-eastern Solomon Islands for the purpose of driving out the Japanese and permanently occupying the strategic area. Admiral King said that the enemy counter-attacked with rapidity and vigour. At least one of our cruisers was sunk and two destroyers and one transport damaged. Admiral King emphasised that the landing had been made in the face of stiff Japanese opposition and that heavy fighting was now taking place. The landing had been made in Tulagi Islands, to the south-west of the Solomons, where Japanese occupation threatened communications with Australia and New Zealand. Japanese losses included a large number of planes destroyed and surface units put out of action. “CRITICAL DAY FOR AUSTRALIA” (Rec. 10.10 a.m.) Melbourne, This Day. Mr Curtin, Federal Prime Minister, told the State Premiers’ Conference that there was a great deal of risk for Australia in the battle now proceeding in the Solomons. “This is one of the many days that can be described as a critical day for Australia,’’ he said. —P.A.