JAPANESE DRIVEN BACK

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24189, 3 February 1942, Page 5

JAPANESE DRIVEN BACK

ARTILLERY FIRE POUNDING ENEMY

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received February 2, 11.35 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 2 Advanced units of the Japanese forces attempted to drive along the partly demolished causeway between Singapore Island and the mainland, but were forced back with heavy losses, states a message from Singapore. While British, Australian and Indian troops are taking up their positions on the island, British artillery fire is severely pounding the enemy on the mainland. Air activity over the island has increased in the past 24 hours, it was officially stated this morning. Some damage has been caused but military casualties have been slight. British artillery was active yesterday, when there was activity in the Johore Bahru area, on the mainland. Three small enemy craft between the island and the mainland were engaged by small arms fire and one vessel was sunk, There is considerable movement by the enemy to the south of the mainland. The Associated Press correspondent states that enemy raiders came over the island several times yesterday and dropped a mixture of bombs and leaflets. The streets of Singapore were practically deserted last night as the police and sentries began the strict enforcement of the curfew. Tokio admits to-day that Japanese raiders have met a terrific barrage over Singapore. The Berlin radio says Japanese aeroplanes heavily attacked Singapore and sank a floating dock. Thirty-six hours after their withdrawal from the mainland the Allied troops looked new men, states an Australian correspondent. This could be achieved only by fit men.. The Governor of the Straits Settlements, Sir Shenton Thomas, in his reply to the King's message of encouragement, said: "We are determined to do our utmost to be worthy of Your Majesty's confidence." Singapore Island is 27 miles long and about 14 miles wide, with an area of 220 square miles. Its total population, excluding the garrison, is 727,000, of whom 563,000 are Chinese. The northwestern part of the island is sparsely populated because of the mangrove swamps.