Major fighting in Abyssinia Ends

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 120, 22 May 1941, Page 10

Major fighting in Abyssinia Ends

CHURCHILL PRAISES TROOPS (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 20. Mr Churchill told the House of Commons to-day that, since the members last met, several important events had happened. In the first place, the victory at Amba Alagi 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 an end,” the Prime Minister declared. “No doubt further fighting will continue for some time in the south, but this certainly marks the culminating of the campaign, which I venture to think was one of the most remarkable ever fought by British arms. It reflects credit on Generals Cunningham and Platt, who 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, the strong force raised in Cape Colony and in the Union of South Africa. They were ordered by General Smuts to go forward, and, now that this theatre of war is closing down,' they are moving northwards to the! Mediterranean. "Also,” Mr Churchill- added, "two British-Ihdian divisions won laurels at Kassala and all the 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 their endurance of all hardships have wen 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 greaf honour upon the soldiers of India of all castes and creeds engaged. I feel I could not refer to this matter without bringing it in direct and emphasised manner to the attention of the House.” Mr Churchill said that the remnants of the Italian forces in the Jimma and Gondar areas, the remaining points of Italian resistance in Abyssinia, were thought to be no more than four divisions. To-day’s communique from British General Headquarters at Cairo says: “At Amba Alagi, arrangements are proceeding for the complete surrender of the Italian forces. In the southern areas, torrential rains are temporarily interfering with the progress of our operations.”