“MARCHES OF DEATH”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 124, 26 May 1944, Page 5

“MARCHES OF DEATH”

TRAPPED JAPANESE BRITISH AND DUTCH NEW GUINEA Australian Correspondent—N.Z.P.A.) Reed. 9.35 p.m. Sydney, May 25. Japanese troops trapped in both British and Dutch New Guinea are making “marches of death" in attempts to escape to Japanese-held territory. About. 2000 from the Wewak area are reported to be trekking over the mountains towards Sarmi, a distance of 375 miles. The jungle trails are lined with the bodies of enemy troops who have died from starvation or disease. In the Hollandia area the natives report that 1000 Japanese trying to make an overland escape arrived at an inland village in a pitiful condition and clamouring for food. Many bodies have been found along trails south of Lake Sentani. General MacArthur's communique to-day says the Japanese units are demoralised and scattering, and that “enemy soldiers frequently abandon their weapons in their efforts to escape jungle privations." In the western Dutch New Guinea coastal sector bitter resistance is being met by American troops who have crossed the Tor River in lheir drive towards Mr.ffin.

one ot two airfields on lii? remmand opposite Wakde Island <l2O miles west of Hollandia). This partially constructed air-strip is 3s miles beyond the Tor River. Sawar, the second airfield at Mattin Bay, is a further 3i miles beyond the Maflin air-strip. The area was shelled by Allied destroyers on Monday night. Japanese dead counted since the Americans landed in the Wakde Island-Sarmi area nine days ago now total 908.

In British New Guinea sharp patrol clashes have occurred 30 miles east of Aitape. where the Americans landed on April 22. American outposts on the Dandriwar River were attacked on Monday. Allied bombers and lighters are continuing to strike against Japanese trapped in this area and around Wewak.

At. Manokvvari. an important Japanese base on the south coast of Dutch New Guinea, a Liberator bombed and sank an 1800-ton cargo vessel. Despite adverse weather in that sector further attacks have been made on enemy bases oh Biak and Noemtoor Islands, Geelvink Bay. The Japanese hit back when Leoeiators based on the Admiralty Islands attacked Truk, in the Carolines with 84 tons of bombs. They sent up 40 interceptors in a running light lasting 90 minutes. Two enemy fighters were shot down, with three more probably destioyed and "liters damaged_. One Liberator was / st. Another 750 Japanese dead haw been found by American patrols on Bougainville Island and the northern Solomons.