U.S. MARINES MOP UP IN SOLOMONS

Southland Times, Issue 24829, 22 August 1942, Page 5

U.S. MARINES MOP UP IN SOLOMONS

CONTROL OF SOUTH-EAST ISLANDS (United Press Association— Telegraph Copyright) (Rec. 10.15 p.m.) LONDON, August 21. United States marines are now mopping up the areas they have occupied in the Solomons, according to an official announcement. They are in control of the south-east islands, although the Japanese are still offering resistance there. The Allied Air Force is maintaining its pressure against Timor, where our troops are reported to be still resisting the enemy. Medium bombers on Thursday struck Maobisse, practically in the centre of the island, which is described in today’s Allied headquarter s communique as an “area occupied by enemy troops.” Bombs dropped in the target area resulted in large explosions, indicating that fuel or ammunition dumps had been hit. Besides dropping high explosives and incendiaries Allied planes machine-gunned buildings and road transport. There has been no combat activity in the Kokoda sector of Papua recently. The headquarters spokesman described the present inactivity as “merely a lull.” The opposing forces are still approximately at the same strength as last reported. The fighting at Kokoda has so far not justified classification as a major engagement.