ABORTIVE COUNTER-ATTACK

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 26 November 1943, Page 5

ABORTIVE COUNTER-ATTACK

JAPANESE IN SATELBERG AREA AUSTRALIANS PRESS ON Sydney, Nov. 25. The Japanese lost 50 killed in their latest abortive counter-attack against Australians pressing on Satelberg, New Guinea. Their attack, made on the coastal area near Bonga, where the enemy’s supply line to Satelberg has been cut by Australian forces, was dealt with by our patrols. Four minor Japanese air raids on our rear positions failed to cause damage or casualties. Allied planes continue to pound enemy supply and communication lines. Over Sio. on the north-east New Guinea coast, Allied fighter patrols in-

tercepted nine escorted enemy bombers, shooting down two fighters and probably destroying another fighter and bomber. One Allied plane was lost. In the Solomons American forces on Bougainville Island have extended the perimeter of their Empress Augusta Bay bridgehead three-quarters of a mile. Seventy-five Japanese have been killed in patrol clashes. Allied fighters intercepting Zero formation shot down five enemy fighters. Enemy aerodromes in southern Bougainville and on Buka have been attacked with about a further 100 tons of explosives.