FIGHTING IN MALAYA

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21601, 11 December 1941, Page 5

FIGHTING IN MALAYA

BRITISH FORCES HARD PRESSED “LEAVES NO GROUND FOR COMPLACENCY*’ RECKLESS DIVE-BOMBING ATTACKS BY JAPANESE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 11, 11.55 a.m.) SINGAPORE, Dec. 10 Reports reaching Singapore indicate that the position of the defending forces in Northern Malaya leaves no ground for complacency. The areodromes there are being constantly attacked by large forces of enemy planes, which are dive-bombing recklessly. The Japanese are doing their utmost to render the upcountry fields untenable and force the Royal .Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force to relinquish them in favour of aerodromes nearer Singapore. The famous British and Indian regiments which are holding the attempts to advance down the Malayan west coast are undergoing a very severe trial, fighting with great valour against larger forces, to which the Japanese are constantly adding through Singora. Enemy planes flew over Singapore last night, but did not drop bombs. British fighters drove them off. Penang was raided last evening by fourteen Japanese planes, which attacked the aerodrome. There were no casualties. Butterworth was also raided by Japanese bombers, which were engaged by fighters over the town. Using parachute troops, the Japanese claim to have taken another island from America. President Roosevelt has warned the people of America to expect the loss of the islands of Guam, Midway and Wake.