NAVAL BATTLE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25277, 14 July 1943, Page 3

NAVAL BATTLE

KULA BAY CLASH JAPANESE LOSSES FOUR MORE SHIPS SUNK (N.Z.P.A. Special Aust. Correspondent) (Rec. 0.5 a.m.) SYDNEY, July 13. A second naval battle has occurred In Kula Gulf, in the Central Solomons. In a dramatic clash with American warships last night at least one enemy light cruiser and three destroyers were sunk, and two other destroyers > were probably sunk. The reports are riot yet complete. General MacArthur’s communique to-day makes no mention of any Allied losses. It is not known whether the Japanese force engaged was the , one reported yesterday to have turned tail and fled before the Allied air attack near New Georgia. It“appears , that only light Japanese forces—cruisers and destroyers—were engaged in the latest action. In Kula Gulf last week American warships sank nine Japanese warships, and possibly 11, including three cruisers for the loss of one cruiser, the U.S.S. Helena. Closing on Munda Allied warships and aircraft have continued their relentless pounding of Munda, the major enemy airfield and stronghold on New Georgia Island, while American ground forces continue to close in against the airfield’s defences. The aerial bombardment of Munda continues day after day. From the morning of the invasion, nearly a fortnight ago, American planes have been active over the area. Yesterday our fighters added eight more enemy fighters and one bomber to the tally of Japanese planes shot down. The record day’s destruction of Japanese aircraft in this area stands to the credit of a Marine Corps air group, which shot down 20 Zeros, 17 medium bombers, and'B seaplanes, and probably destroyed 12 more enemy aircraft for the loss of nine of their own machines. Most of the United States , pilots shot down were picked up by our rescue craft. General MacAfthur’s communique reports the destruction of the enemy, garrison at Enogi Inlet. These enemy troops were pushed inland a few days ago, but fierce fighting occurred before they were wiped out. Blows- at Rabaul Bombers of Geperal MacArthur’s South-west Pacific Command have again struck at the Rabaul aerodromes in order to hinder their use by enemy aircraft engaged, in the battle for New Georgia. In attacks before dawn yesterday Liberators dropped more than 25 tons of bombs on the Lakunai and Rapopo airfields. Many fires were - started, and there were several explosions. Grounded aircraft are believed , to have been destroyed. One Liberator is missing. In New Guinea patrol skirmishing is becoming intensified and the whole of our air force is gradually softening up the enemy defence positions around Salamaua. Japanese planes have made light raids against our troops in the Mubo area, but have caused no damage.