JAPANESE SQUEEZED

Waikato Times, Volume 132, Issue 22155, 29 September 1943, Page 3

JAPANESE SQUEEZED

ADVANCE IN NEW GUINEA , SYDNEY, Sept. 28 Advanced elements of the Australian force attacking Finschhafen, New Guinea, from the south are reported to be closing in on the Japanese positions on the ridges overlooking the town. The enemy is still resisting stubbornly from strong defence positions in the Bumi River area, but increasing land and air pressure are being brought to bear on him. The communique today makes no mention of the Allied force advancing from Lae to close the trap on Finschhafen. It was reported yes_terday to have reached Hanisch Harbour, 25 miles south-west of Finschhafen.

In the Harkham Valley the Australians have pushed up the Yati River and occupied Sagerak, eight miles north-west of the enemy outpost at Kaiapit, which was captured a week ago. This force is steadily squeezing the Japanese outposts into the narrow confines of the New Guinea seaboard.

'Aerodromes at Wewak, the enemy base on the north coast of New Guinea, received another heavy pounding on Sunday from Liberator bombers, which dropped 33 tons of explosives on the supply and dispersal areas. Lightnings shot down three of 20 Japanese fighters which attempted to intercept the bombers.