JAPANESE RAIDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24836, 9 February 1942, Page 5

JAPANESE RAIDS

DUTCH EAST INDIES COUNTER-ATTACKS LAUNCHED ENEMY SHIPS BOMBED (Rec. 11 p.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 7. A Batavia communique states: " During an enemy air raid on Surabaya to-day bombs were dropped on the harbour front, inflicting slight damage to the cook house of the naval barracks. No other damage was done to the naval base. Further information about a third attack has not yet been received. "Yesterday naval aircraft attacked a large enemy transport off the west coast of Borneo. 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 harbour in the Netherlands In- [ dies 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. "Further reports of fighting on Amboina prove that the Japanese attacked the island with far superior forces; but here and there guerrilla 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. More reports are being awaited. An aerodrome near Palembang was bombed and machine-gunned, and a small aerodrome in Bali has been bombed, but with little damage to material. A bombing attack on Macassar had little effect. Some activity took place over dispersed objectives,- also with little success to the Japanese.

"It is now certain that Pont'anack, in West Borneo, has been occupied by the Japanese. In connection with Japanese reports, which are altfo being carried by agencies, to the effect that the Netherlands Indies Fleet, has been totally destroyed by enemy air attack, the commander of the navy states that the fleet is absolutely intact, at sea, and ready for action." . . . . . -___..■