AMBA ALAGI SURRENDER

Grey River Argus, 22 May 1941, Page 8

AMBA ALAGI SURRENDER

END OF CAMPAIGN z Expected in Abyssinia RAINS SET IN. [British Official Wireless]. RUGBY, May 20. Mr Churchill told the House that, since the Members last met, several important events had happened. In the first place, the victory at Amba Alaga had resulted in the surrender of the Duke of Aosta and his full remaining force. “This must be considered as bringing all major organised resistance in Abyssinia to .in end,’’ he said. "No doubt,” furtner fighting will continue for some time in the south, but this certainly marks the culminating of a campaign which, I venture to think, is one of the most remarkable eve. fought by British arms. It reflects credit on Generals Cunningham ana Platt, who have discharged so well the task assigned to them by General Wavell.

“I take this opportunity of pointing out the good work done by the South African Army. A strong force was raised in Cape Colony and in the Union of South Africa. They were ordered by General Smuts to go forward, and, now this theatre of war is closing down, they are moving northwards to the Mediterranean. "Also two British Indian Divisions won laurels at Kassala, and all tne way from Kassala to Keren and up to the final event. These Indian divisions consisted of six Indian battalions and three British battalions. I am assured that the greatest admiration is felt for the extraordinary military qualities displayed by these Indian troops, and that their ardour and endurance of all hardships -«as won them the regard of their British comrades. Sometimes, we found several cases where no British officer remained, and yet the battalion conducted itself in the most-effective manner. Altogether, this episode is one which reflects very great honour upon the soldiers of India, of all castes and creeds engaged. I feel that I could not refer to this matter without bringing it, in a direct and emphasised manner, to the attention of the House.” At Amba Alaga, arrangements are proceeding to complete the surrender of the Italian forces. In the southern areas, torrential rains are temporarily interfering with the progress of our operations.

Demoralising Effect

OF AMBA ALAGI'S SURRENDER.

[British Official Wireless] (Pteceived May 21, 5.30 p.m.) RUGBY, May 20

Commenting on the surrender of Amba Alagi, the “'Daily. Te.egraph says: The campaign is likely to stand out as one of the finest feats of our military history. There have been no sudden and swift successes. The British forces engaged, and haci to fight hard for the winning of every position gained in mountainous country which offered every naatural advantage for defence. 1 hey were opposed by the one IthLai General who measured up to the boasting of the Italian dictator. Ihe Duke of Aosta proved himself an able soldier with a high capacity for leadership. When steps have been taken to give the remaining defenders of Jimma and Gondar news ot the collaase iat Amba Alagij, . the moral 1 effect is likely to be decisive in bringing the Abyssinian operations to an end. The campaign has proved the sterling military quality of British Forces from two far separated and dissimilar regions or the Empire. The South Africans and Indians have covered themselves with glory The “Daily Mail" says: The Italians now have had more than 400,000 men put out of action in the, two campaigns in Libya and Abyssinia. In our drive to Benghazi, two hundred thousand of II Duce’s soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured--most of them Italians. Mussolini had another three hundred thousand men in Abyssinia, about one hundred thousand of them being Ita.ians. In 94 days’ fighting, we have put out of action more than two hundred thousand of them, including almost all the Italians. Most of the native troops, who were not casualties or prisoners, have deserted.