SALAMAUA RAIDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25302, 12 August 1943, Page 5

SALAMAUA RAIDS

RELAYS OF LIBERATORS WIDESPREAD DESTRUCTION (Rec. 10.50 p.m.) SYDNEY, Aug. 11. The Japanese positions at Salamaua (Northern New Guinea) have been battered by 227 tons of bombs in two days this week. The widespread damage included the destruction of two ammunition dumps, several fuel dumps, and a number of buildings. Giving further details of Monday’s attack, General MacArthur’s latest communique says that 142 tons of explosives were dropped. Yesterday relays of Liberators added 85 tons in three sweeps made within 20 minutes. Monday’s raid was the heaviest on any area in a single day of the New Guinea campaign. Yesterday's targets included Salamaua township and isthmus, and Kela and Asini villages. Over the Arafura Sea, Spitfires yesterday destroyed two Japanese float planes, which were reconnoitring our shipping lanes north-east of Millingimbi. In the Solomons American forces are pressing closer on the garrison at Bairoko Harbour, the last enemy-held position on New Georgia. They have now reached the Bairoko River, two miles south-east of the harbour. Over Rendova Island 50 Japanese bombers and fighters were dispersed by 14 Airacobras, Kittyhawks, and Warhawks. Two Zeros were shot down. A single Allied fighter was lost, but the pilot was saved. In the Vela Gulf on Monday night Allied light naval craft probably sank two of four enemy barges. A further check revealed between 30 and 40 wrecked enemy aircraft on the captured Munda airfield.