RAIDS ON AUSTRALIA

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21687, 25 March 1942, Page 3

RAIDS ON AUSTRALIA

NEW GUINEA FIGHTING JAPANESE HALTED (United Pres* Ann. —Elec. Tex. Copyrlgut) CANBERRA, March 24 Japanese aircraft raided Wyndham yesterday morning. About 30 bombs were dropped and caused slight damage. The only casualty was a serviceman who suffered a minor injury. An hour later Japanese fighters machine-gunned the aerodrome, but without result. The Prime Minister, Mr J. Curtin, announced that in the raid on Port Moresby, New Guinea, yesterday, between 60 and 70 bombs were dropped, the aerodrome apparently being the target. Little damage was caused there were no casualties to RAAF. personnel. One and possibly two Japanese fighters clashed outside Port Moresby as the result of action by the ground defences. Another report says the enemy aircraft dived down to a height of only 200 feet above Port Moresby. They were met by a hail of machine-gun fire. A Japanese fighter swerved and then crashed into a hill. The machine bounced 30 yards and blew up. The pilot was hurled 400 feet. Correspondents in the New Guinea area, reporting on the Japanese raid on Port Moresby yesterday, say that, of four modern Zero fighters which accompanied the enemy bombers, only one is likely to have got back to its base. They say that on the land, too, the Japanese have been halted, with the situation in the Markham Valley under control, which means that the back-door threat to Port Moresby has been considerably lessened. The Australian troops in the Markham Valley are reported to be carrying on the fight under conditions unparalleled in this war. They are more like bushrangers than soldiers, living in secret hide-outs and adding to their rations fresh meat and vegetables brought in by loyal natives, who have ignored the blandishments of the Lutheran missionaries to turn pro-Japanese. The defence of the Markham Valley is part of an elaborate plan to prevent the Japanese from moving from Lae, Salamaua and Finsch Haven to areas from which the defenders expect them to threaten Port Moresby. In deep valleys, on the top of high-mountains, in swamp and jungle, groups of soldiers are keeping a constant watch for any sign of Japanese penetration. Since the Japanese came to New Guinea two months ago they have suffered more damage than they have been able to inflict. A correspondent estimates that they have lost more than 100 aircraft and 50 ships of all types. He says that even the Tokio radio has admitted that there have been 7000 casualties at Rabaul and that incessant Allied attacks have interfered with Japanese efforts to build up strength for the blow against Australia.