-2 - JAPANESE FORCES. It has been reported that mobilisation of ten new divisions has been taking place in Japan since the 15th. This will bring the total strength up to 72 divisions which it is believed is the maximum that Japan can equip and maintain. Reports indicate that Japanese are employing in the PHILIPPINES about 55000 to 60,000 on LUOON and about 20,000 on MINDANAO. RUSSIA The Russians are increasing their pressure in the LENINGRAD Sector. North West of MOSCOW the Germans have been forced back for a considerable distance to the West of the KALININ - MOSCOW Railway. 3. AIR OPERATIONS WESTERN FRONT 22nd/23rd. 21 tons of H.E. and 1,800 incendiaries were dropped on WILHELMSHAVEN. The town was identified in spite of much cloud and bursts were seen in the target area. 23rd. A Sunderland probably hit with bombs a 12,000 ton tanker off CAPE FINISTERRE. 23rd/24th. 145 aircraft were sent out COLOGNE 69, BREST 47 Secamminin. Two crashed on return. About 48 enemy aircraft were operating against this country. MEDITERRANEAN LIBYA . MAGRUN landing ground was heavily bombed on 21st/22nd and on the following day. At least six enemy aircraft were destroyed and others damaged. Our fighters attacked about 25 aircraft which were landing and taking off destroying nine of them. Hurricanes attacked Southbound troop carrying vehicles on the JEDABYA - EL AGHEILA Road and Blenheims bombed Westbound M.T. between SIRTE and MISURATA. Many vehicles were destroyed or damaged and heavy casualties were inflicted on troops. 22nd/23rd Nine aircraft from Malta bombed TRIPOLI (L) aerodrome. FAR EAST RANGOON had its first air raid on the 23rd. A military report states that four enemy aircraft are believed to have been shot down. MALAYA - 23rd. Several bombing and machine gun attacks were made by enemy aircraft on IPOH and the PONTOON Bridge over the PERAK River. A petrol % dump and ammunition train were destroyed at IPOH. BORNEO. Dutch and British aircraft reported on 23rd at least two enemy cruisers, three destroyers and ten transports moving in the direction of KUCHING. |