BIGGEST AIR RAID IN ABYSSINIAN WAR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 275, 20 November 1935, Page 7

BIGGEST AIR RAID IN ABYSSINIAN WAR.

ITALIAN BOMBERS. Duce's Sons and Son-in-Law Take Part. 2000 CASUALTIES CLAIMED. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 11.30 am.) LONDON, November 19. It is reported from Asmara that 20 tombing 'planes were employed in the biggest raid of the campaign so far. Count Ciano, son-in-law of Mussolini, led the 'planes to a spot south of Alagi, where 15,000 Abyssinians had concentrated in a deep valley and been ordered to make a ground attack. Diving to lower than 100 feet the machines dropped bombs and opened machine-gun fire, causing the Ethiopians to scatter. They replied with rifle fire, j machine-guns and anti-aircraft guns, ; iittin" , every 'plane, but none crashed.

The Italians dropped 21b bombs continuously for two hours an<i claim 2000 Abyssinian casualties. Ciano's petrol tank, undercarriage and rudder were hit by Abyssinian bullets and he gave the order to cease fire and return to the base. He limself was compelled to make a forced landing at Makalle, which he did unhurt. Mussolini's sons participated and the wings of their machines were riddled with bullets. Abyssinians , Stratagem. "The Times" Asmara correspondent puts a different complexion on the Italian bomb attack. Two squadrons of aeroplanes, he states, made a concerted onslaught on 20,000 Abyssinians concentrated in a deep defile near Antalo. It vas considered strange that they should expose their encampments in an area eonstantly under aerial observation. The result proved that'the camp was part of an elaborate stratagem. The camp itself was empty "but t"ie sides of the gorge were manned by concealed machine-gunners and riflemen awaiting an attack, and when the squadrons flew low bombing and firing they were met by heavy fire from the heights. AH • the 'planes were riddled with bullets,- but continued the action until their ammunition was exhausted. The British United Press correspondent at Asmara says that Count Ciano's aeroplane was hit 30 times. His machinegunner, Sergeant Birago, was severely Wounded, hut scribbled encouraging notes on bloodstained paper to the pilot. _ A dispatch from Harrar says there is little movement in the southern sector except a slow Italian approach to ttegabur, which is expected strongly to resist a frontal attack. The Gorahai area is still infested with Abyssinian guerilla fighters who are threatening the Italian advance. LEADERS AT VARIANCE Quarrel Over Expected Early Battle.

ABYSSINIAN CHIEFS. (Received 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, November 19. ■The British United Press Asmara torrespondent states that indications Point to an early battle in which Ras oeyonm in defiance of Ras Kassa's orders is expected to lead 30,000 warriors against the Italians near Makalle. Ras Kassa, it is declared, was preparing the defence of his area at Kworam, south of Lake Ashangi, which offered better tactical advantages than Ras Seyoum's Sector, where the invaders have gained a strong foothold. Ras Seyoum retorted by ordering the arums to be beaten for the rallying of the troops to the colours. In a message «> Ras Kassa, Ras Seyoum stated: "It ,s my duty to remain in the Tembien area." Meanwhile the Abyssinian night raiders are harassing the Italians in the wieralta region between Makalle and Hauzien. The British United Press correspondent at Addis Abnba states that after Praying with his family in St. George's U.ureh at dawn, Haife Silassie drove se ven miles to the Akaki aerodrome. An aeroplane made a reconnaissance flight to ensure that no Italian machines were 10 '. sight, after which the Emperor entered the cabin of the monoplane, which took off escorted by two biplane "gntcrs. Haile Silassie is expected to <* back shortly, but may explore the situation at Dessye. DESTINATION IN DOUBT. EMPEROR LEAVES CAPITAL. (Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, November 19. . ft is reported that the camp equipment for the Emperor, Haile Silassie, nas been sent from Addis Al'aba to and that his departure for that town is pending. A subsequent dispatch, however, states that the Emperor left the capital by "crppkne, his destination not being Divulged. One report stated that he was en route for Harrar and another for we northern front.