SETBACK TO JAPANESE

Waikato Times, Volume 131, Issue 21907, 10 December 1942, Page 3

SETBACK TO JAPANESE

EIGHT WARSHIPS SUNK NEW GUINEA FIGHTING (United Precs Assn—Elen. Tel. Conyright) (Special Australian Correspondent) SYDNEY, Dec. 10 The Japanese destroyer convoy which on Tuesday attempted to run an Allied air blockade to bring: supplies and reinforcements to the slowly-crumbling: enemy force in the Buna-Gona area did not get within 500 miles of its objective. It is now revealed that a series of attacks by Fortresses and Liberators caused the Japanese warships to turn and run for Rabaul in the late afternoon. Since November 1 enemy ships have been headed towards Buna at least seven times, although only five sorties are officially regarded as attempts to reinforce Hcrrii’s garrison. The Japanese shipping losses in this period arc one light cruiser and seven destroyers sunk, three destroyers damaged, three others probably damaged. Supplies have again been dropped from aircraft to the enemy’s Papuan force, but the Sydney Morning Herald’s New Guinea war correspondent says that “even by Japanese standards the enemy garrison must now be on extremely short rations.” Japanese Desperation Previous messages stated: Again the Japanese have made a desperate effort to bring relief by sea to Horrii’s forces trapped on the Buna-Gona beach-head, and again the Allied air forces have smashed the attempt. Six destroyers estimated to carry about 1000 fully-equipped troops tried to run the Allied air gauntlet. Gne was set ablaze following direct hits with two 5001 b. bombs and another was left listing heavily. The remainder of the convoy fled. Sighted on Tuesday morning in St. George’s Channel, between New Britain and New Ireland, by our air reconnaissance, the enemy destroyers were attacked within a few hours by Flying Fortresses and Liberators. Today’s communique from General MacArthur’s headquarters reports that the leading destroyer was enveloped in flames following the bomb hits. Casualties aboard must have been heavy. Allied airmen claim damaging near misses against the other destroyers. At no time did the convoy come close enough to Buna to reinforce the garrison or put ashore supplies. While it is estimated officially that this was the fifth attempt the Japanese have made to reinforce their troops in Papua, it has been reported on other occasions that enemy warships have been manoeuvring in waters north of Buna. Pounded by Allies Japanese troops in the New Guinea fortress area made a fierce counterattack designed to wipe out the Allied troops who had broken through to the coast between Buna village and Buna mission. The enemy was unable to achieve his objective and was repulsed with heavy casualties. More than 40 Japanese dead were left on the narrow battlefield. The enemy positions in this sector have been pounded ruthlessly by artillery and air bombardments. Further Allied air attacks have been made on the Lae aerodrome, where fuel ammunition dumps have been destroyed. Runways and dispersal areas of the enemy aerodrome V. Gasmata, New Britain, have also <een bombed. Over Rabaul an Aled reconnaissance unit shot down wo Zeros which attempted intercepThe enemy’s air losses in the New 'Guinea sector since November 1 now "otal at least 116 planes. Allied losses re described as amazingly small in omparison. Since the Japanese mded at Buna on July 22 their New Tuinea aircraft losses exceed 400 bombers and fighters.