SHIPS BOMBED

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24194, 9 February 1942, Page 5

SHIPS BOMBED

DUTCH HIT TARGETS TRANSPORT OFF BORNEO JAPANESE CRUISER SUNK (Rccd. 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 7 Naval aircraft attacked a large enemy transport off the west coast of Borneo on Friday, says a Batavia communique quoted by the British official wireless. A direct hit was obtained with a heavy bomb, while a second bomb grazed the hull and exploded in the water near the vessel. The ship immediately started to *

list, and was in a sinking condition when last seen. In a harbour in the Netherlands East Indies, a ship of the Royal Netherlands Navy and a merchant ship were bombed by Japanese aircraft. Not one of 55 bombs dropped hit the targets. A Netherlands destroyer was attacked in Indies territorial waters by seven hostile aircraft, which, however, did not score any successes. The warship did not sustain any damage or loss. The Commander of the Navy has been informed that an enemy cruiser was sunk during an attack in waters near Amboina, while another cruiser and a submarine were hit. It was not possible to observe whether these two ships sank. Further reports concerning this attack are being awaited. Fighting on Amboina

Further reports of the fighting on Amboina prove that the Japanese attacked the island with far superior forces, but here and there guerilla activity against the enemy is still continuing. The greater part of the island is practically in the hands of the Japanese. Part of the garrison managed to leave the island. An aerodrome near Palembang was bombed and machine-gunned. Damage was done to material. A small aerodrome in Bali has been bombed, but with little damage to material. A bombing attack on Macassar had little effect. Furthermore, some activity took place over dispersed objectives, also with little success to the Japanese. False, Enemy Claim It is now certain that Pontianack, in West Borneo, has been occupied by the Japanese. In connection with Japanese reports to the effect that the Netherlands East Indies fleet has been totally destroyed by enemy air attack, the Commander of the Navy states that the fleet is absolutely intact It is at sea and ready for action. _ , , During an enemy air raid on Sourabaya to-day, bombs were dropped on the harbour front, inflicting slight damage to the cookhouse of the naval barracks. No other damage was done to the naval base. Further information about a third attack has not yet been received. A Batavia message says six civilians were killed and 18 wounded when Japanese planes machine-gunned motorcars outside Macassar. CARGOES IN PACIFIC WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 Replying at a press conference to complaints that certain ships on military missions were only 80 per cent, loaded, President Roosevelt said this was sometimes necessary for speed. He promised to inquire into reports that, non-essential materials were being carried on the Pacific Ocean.