ADOWA TAKEN

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 82, 7 April 1941, Page 7

ADOWA TAKEN

EARLIER SUCCESSES

ASMARA PRISONERS

FALL OF A STATUE

LONDON, April 5

British forces, states a Cairo message, have captured Adowa and Adijrrat, inside the north Abyssinian frontier between Massawa and Addis Ababa.

Though only a small town of some 6000 inhabitants, Adowa is an important strategic point in northern Abyssinia and is a key position in the road system.

A Cairo general headquarters communique states: "In Eritrea our advance from Asmara is continuing. Advanced elements are already south of Adowa. near which a battalion of Italian infantry was surprised and cap-

tured,

"The total number of prisoners captured at Asmara now amounts to nearly 5000, of whom 4000 are Italians. Quantities of military material and railway engines and rolling-stock have also been taken.

"East of Addis Ababa, following a sharp engagement with the enemy, our troops secured an important defensive position on the Awash River. In all the other sectors our advance is proceeding satisfactorily. In particular South African forces have captured a number of prisoners, including a brigade commander."'

The most gratifying news is the capture of Adowa, where the first task of the British and Abyssinians has been to remove a huge statue of Mussolini which was erected in 1935.

Mr. Churchill telegraphed the following reply to the message received yesterday from the Free French leader, General de Gaulle: "We are very grateful for the help the Free French forces have given us in the victorious African campaign. You who have been serving the common cause possess the fullest confidence of the British Government, and you embody the hope of millions of Frenchmen and Frenchwomen who do not despair of the future of France."

A Royal Air Force Middle East communique states: "In Libya there was considerable activity over western Cyrenaica yesterday and on the previous day. SIX TO NIL. "Fighters of the Royal Australian Air Force on offensive patrols shot down three Messerschmitt 110's and three Junkers 88's, as well as severely damaging others, which probably failed to return to their base. The Australian squadron suffered no casualties. "Enemy troops and motor transport were bombed in the regions of Msus and Jedabya while on the road from Ras Lanuf. A very heavy raid was made on Tripoli. One fire was caused which was visible for several miles and a number of loud explosions occurred to the north-east of the Governor's offices. "In Eritrea and Abyssinia the R.A.F. and the South African Air Force continued to give effective support to our troops. Metahapa Station, east of Addis Ababa, was bombed and machinegunned as also was motor transport near Awash. MANY PLANES FOUND. "When the Diredawa aerodrome was occupied by our troops the following aircraft were found: —One Cr42, four S79's. 51 SSl's, four Cal33's, and three Ro37's, all in a damaged condition. Four other S79's and two Cal33's were destroyed by fire. "These figures do not include the aircraft shot down over Diredawa and old fuselages discovered in the hangars. "In Crete enemy aircraft raided the Heraklion aerodrome yesterday, but there were no casualties and very little damage was caused. One Cr42 was shot down in flames by anti-aircraft fire. "All our aircraft returned safely."

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