RABAUL AGAIN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 18 April 1944, Page 5

RABAUL AGAIN

HEAVY POUNDING BY ALLIES GREAT LOAD DROPPED ON AIT A PE ; Sydney, April 17. > Systematic reduction of Rabaul (New Britain) as a key .lapan--1 ese stronghold was continued during the week-end when Allied Solomons-based aircraft pounded the area with a further 100 tons of bombs. Reconnaissance shows that the Japanese have already virtually abandoned Rabaul as an air base. On Vunakanau and Tobera airfields only one serviceable and three damaged planes 1 were seen. During the last raid a huge explosion in the Rataval supply area ; was followed by flames rising 300 feet and smoke to 3000 feet. Seven ; gun positions were silenced and five ; h-wbour craft in Keravia Bay Bay de--1 stroyed or damaged. On the north New Guinea coast a record bombload of 284 tons blasted Aitape, the man Japanese base between Wewak and Hollandia. The , area was left blanketed in smoke from great fires. The heaviest previous raid on Aitape was on March . 20, when the bombload was 153 ' tons. Large formations of Liberators, Mitchells and Bostons made the ’ newest attack. Their crews reported widespread destruction. Pro village I and Santa Anna mission were wiped Solomons-based Liberators bombed Truk (Carolines) at dawn on Friday. They dropped 27 tons of explosives on Eten, Pa ram and adjacent islands. A single Liberator damaged a small vessel at Puluwat Island. 200 miles west of Truk and attacked installations and bivouac areas on Alet Island.—P.A. Special Australian Correspondent.