UN KILLED IN ABYSSINIA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 57, 7 March 1936, Page 9

UN KILLED IN ABYSSINIA.

RED CROSS WORKER.

'Premeditated" Bombing

By Italians.

DETAILS OF ATROCITY,

United Prees Association.—Copyright,

(Received 11 a.m.) ADDIS ABABA, March 0,

Major .Gerald Burgoyne, formerly of the 4th Royal Irish Rifles, and with his residence in Somerset, was killed by a bomb from an Italian 'plane while acting as transport officer in the Ethiopian Red Cross. He was retiring with Ras Kebeda's troops from Amba Alagi to Quoram at the time. It is understood Major Bvrrgoyne's caravan bore a prominent Red Cross flag. Major Burgoyne was Cork Pursuivant of Arms, and a • barrister of Middle Temple, and was 04 years of age. He was educated at Rugby, and was in the 3rd Dragoon Guards from IS9G to 1910, and in the 4tli Royal Irish Rifles till 1920. He served in the South African and the Great Wars.

Abyssinia has sent a strong protest to the League against the Red Cross bombing.

Dr. A. J. M. Melly was performing a delicate abdominal operation at Quoram yesterday when an enemy bomber encircled and commenced bombing the Red Cross, station. "The Times" and other correspondents narrowly escaped, a bursting nearby. The astonished doctor shouted: "Dirty pigs, they're bombing us." It was impossible to treat dozens of new patients as alt undamaged lorries were required to.evacuate the earlier casualties. Dr. Melly declared: "Fifty are dying on my hands as the result of the cowardly and despicable action of the Italians, which is disgracing the white race." The Emperor personally telephoned to Dr. Melly, saying: "I cannot find words to express my extreme sorrow." !Qr. Brown, the International Red Cross delegate at Addis Ababa, has wired to Geneva: "Premeditation of the Italian action is undeniable." The Emperor's Amerlcaa adviser is preparing a communique completely" denying the Italian claims to big victories.