IN MALAYA AND BURMA

Southland Times, Issue 24652, 26 January 1942, Page 5

IN MALAYA AND BURMA

British Continue To Withdraw

(Rec. 9 p.m.) LONDON, January 24. The British forces in Malaya and Burma are authoritatively stated in London to be continuing their withdrawal. 'On the east coast of Malaya they have retired south of the river Mersing. In the centre they are continuing to withdraw south of Segamat, and in the west enemy pressure has increased in the Betu Pahat area. In Burma the British force east of Moulmein has withdrawn after fighting an action at Kawkareit against very superior Japanese forces. This action apparently enabled the British to retire westward without being closely pressed. A Far East war communique issued in Singapore states: There has been no change in the situation on the east coast of Malaya. There has been fighting in the vicinity of Batu Seng. Some enemy tanks and vehicles were destroyed. Last night aircraft of the Far Eastern Command attacked enemy troops and transports south of Labis. A number of bombs were dropped on the road among vehicles and personnel and caused damage and casualties. The enemy was also machine-gunned in this area. All our aircraft returned safely from these operations. IN THE PHILIPPINES The stubborn defence of the Philippines against the Japanese forces, augmented by new landings, is described in a United States War Department communique which states that fresh Japanese troops are continuing heavy attacks against General MacArthur’s troops on Batan Peninsula. These attacks are particularly heavy on the left flank and are supported by the fire of hostile naval vessels and by aircraft. The enemy has succeeded in taking a number of positions on the west coast. Fierce counter-attacks by the defending troops expelled the Japanese from some of these points, but others remain in the possession of the enemy. Heavy losses have been suffered by both sides.

The enemy continues to land new troops at Subec Bay and on the-, west coast of Batan Peninsula, greatly increasing the number of invaders. Though fatigued by constant fighting the American and Philippine troops continue stubborn resistance, contesting savagely every advance made by the enemy. Their enthusiasm, courage and devotion are undiminished.