THE ITALIAN ADVANCE

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 4810, 18 February 1936, Page 5

THE ITALIAN ADVANCE

REPORT OF GENERAL. VIOLENT RESISTANCE OFFERED MUCH BOOTY SEIZED. (Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received 11.45 a.m.) Rome, February 17. General Badoglio's communique stated that a great battle which annihilated the army of Ras Mudugheta, numbering some 80,000, began on the 10th February, culminating in a violent attack by his forces under the cover of a thick fog on the 15th. The enemy offered very violent resistance over the whole front but it was everywhere overcome by the infantry and Black Shirts with the most efficacious assistance from the artillery and air arm, which were employed. "Masses harried the enemy as they were attempting to retreat. Large quantities of arms and material fell into our hands, including the insignia of the command and the decorations of Ras Muluheta," he stated. General Badoglio announces that Ras Mulugheta's armies are retreating towards Fenaroa and Amba Alagi, maintaining a formation and not seeking cover despite severe bombing by the Italian air force in massed formation.

The booty at Aradam included six cannon and a quantity of rifles, swords, sabres, machine guns and ammunition, live stock and food. The transport ship Sardegna reached Port Said, en route to Massawa with 85 doctors, 1500 medical assistants, and ten ambulances.