JAP BASE FALLS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 234, 4 October 1943, Page 5

JAP BASE FALLS

FINSCHHAFEN TAKEN BY AUSTRALIANS OPERATIONS EXTENDED IN NEW GUINEA <By Telegraph—Press Association—Conyright) Recd. 8.30 p.m. Sydney, Oct. 3. i The Japanese base of Finschhafen, on Huon Peninsula. New Guinea, fell yesterday morning to troops of the Australian Ninth Division which distinguished itself in the Battle of /ilaniein in Egypt. To-day’s communique from General MacArthur reports that all organised enemy resistance has been overcome and the entire Finschhafen area is now in our hands. The final onslaught way preceded by an air preparation of attack and dive-bombers on the enemy’s positions near Kokakog, on the outskirts of the township, following which the Australians took them by assault. No estimate of Japanese casualties is yet available but heavy and accurate bombing by Allied aircraft is known to have inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. Our casualties have been- light. In under three weeks the Javanese have lost three important coastal bases in New' Guinea—Salamaua, Bae and Finschhafen. The Australians who stormed Finschhafen from the flank climbed over spurs of jungle so wild and steep that the Japanese defenders obviously considered them impassable, say-: the official war correspondent, Kenneth Slessor. The A.I.F. men literally cut their way up the heights, hacking steps in the mountain-side as they went to make the going easier for those following. Along the tracks they made the Australians carried equipment and supplies forward and wounded back. All the time they fought while their positions were swept by Japanese fire from mortars and machine-guns. Another Australian force operating in Markham Valley after landing from air transports near Kaiapit has a strong grip on the inland supply trail linking the Huon Peninsula with Madang, on the north-east coast of New Guinea. It has reached the headwaters of the Ramu Rr>er, 70 miles from Madang. After advancing for four days without sighting the enemy our patrols ambushed 100 Japanese near Kesawai, killing 45 and wounding many others.