Duke of Aosta In British Hands

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 121, 23 May 1941, Page 8

Duke of Aosta In British Hands

BATTLE IN LAKES AREA LONDON, May 21. - The Duke of Aosta, the Italian commander in Abyssinia, and five of hia generals are now in British hands. They surrendered yesterday together with senior Italian staff officers. Already between 18,000 and 19,000 prisoners have been accounted for. Mr Churchill stated to-day that the surrender of the Italian forces at Ambar Alagi was the combination of one of the most remarkable campaigns of imperial arms. A Cairo General Headquarters communique says: “In Abyssinia, the Duke of Aosta, accompanied by five generals and a number of senior staff officers, formally surrendered yesterday following the handing over of all equipment in the Amba Alagi area. The total prisoners taken during and since the battle in this area amounts to between 18,000 and 19,000.

“In the Battle of the Lakes south of Addis Ababa, which is now proceeding, our troops are rapidly closing in on an enemy force consisting of the remnants of two divisions. Yesterday, our forward troops, advancing from the south after a sharp engagement with the enemy rearguard, captured an Italian brigadier and a number of prisoners.

“In the north-west corner of Somaliland, some hundreds of Italians who had taken refuge in a town have been captured.”

It is stated in London that in Abyssinia British troops are in touch with the enemy 45 miles north of Soddu, in the Jimma area.

Great optimism is expressed in military circles in East Africa, says a Nairobi cable, following the victory at Amba Alagi, when enables the junction of the South African- from the south and the Indians in the north. Italy’s remaining strength east of the central lakes is largely collapsing, and the developments in this district are as important as any in the winding-up of the campaign, for the failure of the Italians east of Margherita will unite the Gold Coasters from Neghelli and Yavello with the King’s African Rifles from Adama. The capture of Schiaschiamanna has been followed, as expected., by the withdrawal of the enemy from Adola and Gabrashire, but operations on a large scale continue in this area.