CHINESE STRIKE BACK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 114, 18 May 1942, Page 5

CHINESE STRIKE BACK

JAPANESE DRIVEN OUT OF MONGLIN INVASION BARGES SUNK (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright' (Recd. 11 p.m.) Chungking, May 16. A communique states that a Japanese force of 10,000, including heavy tanks and field-guns, which occupied Monglin, Eastern Burma, on May 13, has been driven out by a Chinese counter-attack which inflicted 1000 casualties. The Chinese captured many prisoners and also rifles and munitions. West of Monglin other Japanese attempted a plane-protected crossing of the Salween River near Kongkum on May 12, and two more attempts on May 14. All were repulsed and a number of invasion oarges were sunk. The Japanese have opened an offensive in the Chekiang maritime province. Many columns are driving southward. WORK OF AMERICANS JAPANESE BATTERED New York, May 15. Chungking radio said that the United Press correspondent from India related to-day that American bombing olanes had destroyed or damaged 75 Japanese planes, suffering only one loss. In addition, the Ameri.an bombers battered the docks and shipping at Rangoon and the Japanese fleet at the Andaman Islands. The United States Bomber Command had solved the problem of getting the Indians to work by setting an example and toiling side by side with the natives. The Americans had established their own kitchens and it was the only place in India where apple pie could be found or pancakes and syrup could be had for breakfast. CHINESE IN BURMA TROOPS NEAR MAYMYO London. May 15. It is authoritatively stated that some Chinese are still fighting in the neighbourhood of Maymyo and north-west of the city. The Japanese, to the north-east, are in two columns, one believed to be making toward Paoshan and the other toward Myitkyina. A Chungking message says that 30,000 Japanese, supported by an air-craft-carrier in Hangchow Bay, launched an offensive in the coastal area of Chekiang. The Central news agency reports bitter lighting to have been going on since Monday south of the town of Siaoshan. FIGHTING RETREAT LITTLE MATERIAL LOST Rugby, May 15 It is stated that General Alexander's withdrawal was made with the loss of only a few vehicles and some heavy armament, which was destroyed by the British forces since the nature of the country over which they had to pass rendered it impossible to take the material along. The British forces had to fight their ; way back through extraordinarily difficult country interspersed with rivers over which there were nc I bridges. The enemy were always ‘ closely on their heels trying to cut off their retreat. " It is clear from the New Delhi anf nouncement, that British forces are still successfully resisting the Japac. nese while fighting their way back to- ", ward the Indian frontier.—B.O.W.