WAR IN BURMA

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25055, 20 November 1944, Page 6

WAR IN BURMA

AUCKLAND'S PAET BRITISH ACHIEVEMENTS One of the New Zealand airmen who have been serving in the cosmopolitan forces fighting the Japanese in Burma is at present in Auckland on leave. He is Squadron-Leader V. IC. Jacobs, R.N.Z.A.F., son of Mr and Mrs F. C. Jacobs, of Mount Albert. Squadron - Leader Jacobs has had ample opportunit.- for observing the development of one of the miracles of the war in Burma—the supplying from the air of forces holding airfields and carrying out other operations behind the Japanese lines. Such an airfield was Broadway, in Central Burma. It was taken by a special force which was landed from the air and _ was held against all comers by British soldiers and Ghurkas. Always Open to Attack Squadron-Leader Jacobs quoted from a statement by his air officer commanding—a speech which graphically describes the type of warfare which had to bo developed against the Japanese invasion of the Imphal Valley. "The airfields in the valley," ran the statement, "were mostly levelled paddy fields open to attack from all sides without any possibility of proper defence lines in depth. Many of them have jungle alongside, which, of course, affords concealed approach by raiding parties. "Officers and men have carried arms throughout the operations, ready to man the local defence posts at a moment's notice. These boxes, as they are called, consist mainly of bunkers, which are covered-over trenches in commanding positions around the airfield establishment. They have been manned every night by airmen after an overfull day's work keeping the aircraft in the air." | Many Hardships Endured From time to time, added the statement, some of the airfields were shelled or shot over by small-arms i fire. Men had to cope with dust in the dry weather, drenching rain arid mud in the monsoon conditions, extremely uncomfortable sleeping conditions, very monofconous diet, slightly cut down from normal full rations, and consisting mainly of bully beef and an unpopular type of sausage, and no beer. But the usual "moan" was that the Japanese had not been raiding them. Throughout the time since Wingate opened trie doors of Burma, and during which so many columns have been entering Burma that it has been literally honeycombed with adventurous groups, the British forces have killed as many Japanese —counted dead —as have been destroyed in the South-west Pacific area. Enemv tanks have been wrecked bv tank-buster aircraft, transport vehicles of all kinds over vast areas had been damaged or destroyed up to a total of almost 4000 by last August, and large numbers of baggage mules, elephants and Japanese have been killed. Bridges and roads have b?en broken up and numerous dumps, positions, foxholes, gun positions and bunkers have been blown to smithereens. Airborne Supplies Supplies for all the operations by both air and ground forces have been_ flown into the valley by transport aircraft under the protection of fighters, added Squadron-Leader Jacobs. They come in a steady stream all day long, or at night—when supplies are dropped with an efficiency that is startling —and even in the really bad monsoon weather the aircraft stiil keep going in with the food, ammunition, stores and mails which have to be delivered. To get into the valley the aircraft have to flv over mountains up to almost 10,000 ft, all covered with dense jungle, as nasty country to fly over as any in the world, but not once has there been a pause or wish to cry "enough" by either the flying or the ground crews, while on the land.the soldiers of Britain and India have cut the Japanese to ribbons whenever they have come upon them. It is a story which, as Mr Churchill said, is worth v of inclusion in the world's greatest tales of war. GERMAN FOOD PROBLEMS TRANSPORT DEFICIENCIES LONDON. Nov. 18 It is no longer possible to transport foodstuffs from one part of Germany to another, states the newspaper Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung. It describes transport as one of the most difficult problems for the Wchrmacht and for German industries, adding that wheat must be consumed where it is grown. Vegetables henceforth can be obtainable only in areas around market gardens. Rations will not be reduced quantitatively, but the range of choice will be more limited than ever, especially in the towns where people are told that this sacrifice is small compared with the military advantages of the curtailment. / CAPTAIN SAVES SQUAD BOMB EXPLODES IN HAND SYDNEY, Nov. 11 A bomb fell in the midst of a squad of soldiers at a demonstration at Collarenebri. New South Wales, but only Captain H. J. Sealy. of Walgett, knew it was alive. He tried to pick it up to throw it clear, but it exploded, causing serious injuries to his right hand. For this action Captain Sealy has been awarded a commendation. The citation issued in Canberra said that Captain Sealy's action undoubtedly saved the other soldiers from serious injury. Captain Sealy had been demonstrating the use of grenades when a warrantofficer threw a bomb hi the vicinity of the squad to simulate reality. It was carried off its course by a strong wind, hit a tree, and rebounded among the squad. SCHOOLS' THANKSGIVING The annual schoolchildren's rally of thanksgiving to God for blessings that have come to the Roman Catholic schools during the year was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral yesterday afternoon. About 2400 children from city and suburban schools and religious teachers were present at the gathering which was presided over by Bishop Liston. The address was given by the Rev. J. McLaughlin. FOUR PRIESTS ORDAINED Four theological students, the Revs J. J. Bradeley, P. Keane, M. Ryan and D. Angland, all of Auckland, were ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Liston in St. Patrick's Cathedral yesterday. There was a large congregation, and clergy from many of the Auckland parishes were present in the sanctuary. All four candidates studied at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel. Fathers Bradeley, Keane and Ryan are old boys of Sacred Heart College, Father Angland being a Former pupil of St. Patrick's, Silverstream.

PROMOTIONS IN NAVY (Special Correspondent) (Reed. 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. is Promotions of members of the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve are announced as follows: Lieutenants.—T. K. Fallwell (Waihi), F. H. Devorel (Wellington), P. L. Bardwell (Dunedin). N. I). O'Connor. Sub-Lieutenants. —D. W. Feeney (Palmerston North), L. A. Hay ward (Christchurch), G. A. Hoffmeister, J. C. Allison, H. J. N. Acourt, J. L. Fenaughty and T. D. J. Howell (Wellington), A. H. Mouat*(Timaru), E. C. Baxter (Canterbury), D. C. Seath (Taumartinui), E. J. Kinghan (Thames). Fleet Air Arm members have been promoted as follows:—Lieutenants; .0. R. K. Webb (Dunedin), J. E. D. Stringleman (Christchurch). R. R. Tsherwood (Tauranga), J. H. Jellie. Sub-Lieutenant: B. W. Watson (Christchurch). ,