ATTACKED BY NIGHT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25385, 17 November 1943, Page 3

ATTACKED BY NIGHT

ENEMY CONVOY FOR RABAUL DIRECT HIT ON LIGHT CRUISER (N.Z.P.A. Special Aust. Correspondent) (Rec. 8.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, Nov. 16. The movement of Japanese shipping in the Rabaul area continues and Catalinas patrolling the sea-lanes to the north of this key enemy base have scored a direct hit with a 10001 b bomb on a light cruiser. The bomb struck the after-part of the warship and exploded inside it. A 10,000-ton merchantman was hit amidships with a 5001 b bomb. Adverse weather and the convoy’s fighter protection prevented close observation of the damage, but it is believed that both the cruiser and the merchantman may be total losses. These hits were scored in week-end night attacks. The Japanese are apparently making some effort to continue to reinforce Rabaul. General McArthur’s aircraft are maintaining a close watch over the area, and no movement of enemy shipping is allowed to pass unchallenged. The cruiser reported damaged in today’s South-west Pacific communique was escorting two cargo vessels headed towards Rabaul, and was attacked 18 miles from the harbour.

A second convoy, including the 10,000-ton merchantman which was hit. comprised a large cargo vessel, two medium cargo vessels, a tanker, and a number of smaller ships. It was located and attacked 50 miles from Rabaul. Four 5001 b bombs were aimed at the large vessel, one striking amidships* and rocking the vessel with a violent explosion.

Bad weather over the South-west Pacific has caused some diminution of Allied air activity in the area. Japanese planes made ineffectual attacks against Allied shipping at Finschhafen Harbour in north-west New Guinea, dropping 30 bombs harmlessly.