SHARP FIGHTING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 126, 29 May 1944, Page 5

SHARP FIGHTING

IN DUTCH NEW GUINEA FEW JAPS SURRENDERED (Special Correspondent— N.Z.P.A.) Recd. 8.25 p.m. Sydney, May 28. Patrol torpedo-boats are aiding the American land forces advancing toward the Maffin Bay air-strip, in north-west Dutch New Gur.iea. These swift, heavily-armed craft have shelled Japanese gun positions which are 'hindering the American drive on the aerodrome. Our infantrymen have been held up on the fringe of the Maffin air-strip since Wednesday.

General MacArthur’s communique to-day reports sharp fighting in the area. A further 285 Japanese dead have been counted, bringing the total enemy casualties in the Wakde IslandSarmi sectors to 1141. Six prisoners have been taken.

• American troops have captured three 75-miffimetre guns, and a 37millimetre gun. as well as large quantities of ammunition and supplies, in fighting against a stubborn enemy garrison at Maffin Bay. This fierce enemy resistance is in marked contrast with that in the Hollandia area.

Japanese from Hollandia are fleeting westward towards Wakde. apparently unaware that the Americans hold that base. Waves of Kittyhawks are strafing the escape trails along which enemy troops, in groups of 50 to 200, have been seen in flight. Allied fighters continue to give close support to the Americans fighting near the Banriwad River, 30 miles east Aitape. in British New Guinea. The heaviest air attacks have been directed along this part of the New Guinea coast, particularly against the Wewak-Hansa Bay area. Mitcheli Boston bombers, escorted by Lightning and Thunderbolt lighters, on Thursday and Friday, swept, over bivouac and supply areas with 140 tons of explosives. One plane was shot down by anti-aircraft fire.