RABBLE RETREAT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20526, 9 April 1941, Page 7

RABBLE RETREAT

EASTERN AFRICA BRITISH PRESSURE GAINS IN ETHIOPIA LAND AND AIR UNITS Floe. TYI. Oopyriffh*—United Tress Assn.) (Reed. April 9, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, April 8. While the British retirement in Cyrenaica is being carried out in orderly fashion “with a view to operations in due course,” the Italian withdrawal from various points in East Africa can be described as one of the most disorderly in military history.

The remnants of the Italian Army which defended Eritrea are disintegrating rapidly. The prisoners included General Court, who has served for 20 years in Eritrea.

Massawa’s refusal to surrender is believed to be due to the desire of the Italians to render the port as useless as possible before the British and French forces enter.

The British troops advancing on the Akfiim road constitute a big threat to tiie Gondar garrison, which has been sorely depleted in recent weeks.

The British in Asmara are disarming tlie remaining Italians who hitherto have been walking about fully armed side by side with the conquerors.

After the capture of Debra Markos Has, I-laile declared adherence to the British. This change-over is expected to result in an immediate large increase in the Patriot forces in Addis Ababa district. Union Jack on Viceroy's Palace Because the Italian commander, the Duke of Aosta, and his Government had departed, the armed police gave up the city when the first column of South Africans entered Addis Ababa. The Union Jack rapidly replaced the Italian flag over the Viceroy’s palace. Rioting for several days preceded the surrender of the capital. An official communique issued in Nairobi describes the capture of Addis Ababa and also highly successful raids by the South African Air Force.

Regarding the occupation of the Italian capital of Abyssinia, it is stated: “Following the leading elements which entered Addis Ababa late on the previous evening, South African, East African and West African troops occupied the city on Sunday. There were no incidents, the Italian officials handing over the town with the essential services intact. A considerable number of prisoners, including many airmen, were taken. “The operations in this area are being continued, and the enemy is being followed up on all fronts.” Italian Aircraft Destroyed A further communique gives details of a raid on Kombolcha by the South African Air Force on Sunday. “Our planes destroyed enemy aircraft dispersed over the aerodrome and at least damaged others of all types,” states the communique. “In addition our fighter escort shot down two-C.R.42’s. both pilots baling out. Bombers damaged aerodrome buildings and barracks at Kombolcha, where they also damaged an enemy aircraft which wa*- - taking off. and destroyed another on the runway.

"Other bombers scored direct hits on the aerodrome buildings at Dessie and several heavy bombs were dropped on a motor transport park north of the town. Motor transports on roads in the Dessie area were attacked by bombers and fighters. Several lorries were set on fire.’’

The Prime Minister of South Africa. General J. C. Smuts, has sent a message to General Cunningham conveying (he warmest congratulations on Hie occupation of Ihe enemy’s capita! of Abyssinia. “This reflects dual credit on your valiant leadership and the valour and endurance of your troops,” said General Smuts. “South Africa feels especially proud of the achievement in which her sons had :o great a share.”