ANOTHER OUTRAGE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 81, 17 January 1936, Page 5

ANOTHER OUTRAGE.

ITALIANS ATTACK RED CROSS.

UNIT UNDER AN ENGLISHMAN. INCENDIARY BOMBS ON TOWN. WOMEN AND CHILDREN VICTIMS. United Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Dav, 9.5 a.m.) DESSIE, January 16. Three of General Caproni's 'planes reportedly bombed the Abyssinian Red Cross ambulance unit commanded by an Englishman, Major Burgoyne, at Waldia, midway between Dessie and Lake Oshengi.

Major Burgoyne was not hurt but a number of assistants are believed to have been wounded. Two tents containing medical instruments and stores were destroyed in -spite of the fact that the Red Cross marking was clearly visible.

The Italians then attacked the town of Waldia with incendiary bombs. A strong wind carried the flames with great rapidity. At least 14 were killed and 35 were wounded, most of whom were women, old men and children. A British ambulance with four doctors, and 12 assistants was rushed to Waldia, in response to Major Burgoyne's telegram, late at night along a dangerous road. The remainder of the unit under Dr. Melly, left at dawn. Major Burgoyne's telegram stated that Waldia was intensively bombed for 70 minutes, the native town making a conspicuous target. The grass roofs were easily fired. Major Burgoyne served in the South African War and is a barrister of the Middle Temple. He arrived at Addis Ababa in November and the Emperor appointed him to command the train of 100 Red Cross mules. Although he is over 60 years of age, he made the 300 mile journey to Dessie on foot. Two Irish doctors, Dr. Broplne and Dr. Hickev are believed to bo stationed near Waldia. There is no news of them.