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(iv) Philippines. In operations against the Japanese forces attacking the Philippines the United States Air Forces claim to have sunk one transport and severely damaged two others. It is also reported that two battleships of the Kongo class, the Haruna (to which reference was made under Naval Situation in last week's Résumé) and possibly the Kirishima, were engaged by bombers, leading to the destruction of the Haruna, as admitted in the Japanese press, and to severe damage to the Kirishima. According to para. 6 of Naval situation a third battleship was also damaged.
(v) Air attacks have been delivered on numerous islands south-east of the Marshall Islands. It is known that four-engined flying-boats have taken part in these raids. There is no information dealing with activities of shore-based aircraft in the Mandated Islands, of which it is thought that there are 36 fighters and 12 heavy bombers.
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HOME SECURITY SITUATION.
General.
By Day.
82. Twenty enemy shells fell in the Dover district on the 15th December, and a few bombs were dropped in the town on the 16th. No other incidents of any importance occurred.
By Night.
83. There was minor bombing on four nights of the week, with most of the incidents affecting South Devon and Cornwall.
Damage.
84. At Dover and in the district damage was caused to house property. Some damage was also caused to a military camp at Tor Point in Cornwall on the night of the 16th/17th.
Casualties.
85. Estimated civilian casualties for the week ending 0600 Wednesday, the 17th December, are four seriously injured.
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