JAPS IN NEW GUINEA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 41, 19 February 1943, Page 5

JAPS IN NEW GUINEA

RETREATING BEFORE AUSTRALIANS ENEMY BASES POUNDED (Special Australian Correspondent—N.Z.P.A.) (Reed. 10.20 p.m.) Sydney, Feb. 18. The Japanese forces which less than three weeks ago made a surprise assault on the Wan Aerodrome, New Guinea, have now retreated more than half-way back to their advance base at Mubo. They are. being given no respite by the forward elements of the Australian troops, who have already killed more than 1100 of the enemy and wounded an even greater number. Some Australian patrols made harassing attacks unon the Japanese at a point only about three miles from Mubo.

The Allied Air Force continues its attack on the enemy’s nearby supporting bases at Lae and Salamaua. On Wednesday morning Beau fighters made a sweep along this coastal area, strafing targets of opportunity._ Villages around the Luoo lagoon, in the Kumusi River area, were also attacked. Liberators raided targets in New Britain with 5001 b. bombs. Übili was attacked three times and Gasmata twice. Barges offshore were destroyed at Gasmata. A two-masted 80ft. schoone? was sunk off Bambak, Cape Gloucester. In Dutch New Guinea the enemyoccupied town of Babo, on the McClure Gulf, was bombed by a Liberator. In none of these raids was any Japanese air opposition encountered and all our planes returned.