BOMB OUTRAGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22320, 18 January 1936, Page 14

BOMB OUTRAGE

The following cablegrams appealed in the second edition ol the Herald yesterday:—

ITALIAN AIRMEN RED CROSS ATTACKED DESSIE, Jan. 16 Italian airmen in three Caproni aeroplanes are reported to have bombed an Abyssinian Red Cross ambulance unit commanded by a Briton, Major Burgoyne, at Waldia, mid-way between Dcssie and Lake Ashangi. Major Burgoyne was not hurt but a number of his assistants are believed to have been wounded.

Two tents, some medical instruments and stores were destroyed, in spite of the fact that Bed Cross markings were clearly visible. The Italians then proceeded to attack the town of Waldia with incendiary bombs. A strong wind carried the flames with great rapidity. At least 14 people were killed and 35 wounded, most of whom were women, old men and children. A British ambulance with four doctors and 12 assistants was rushed to Waldia in response to Major Burgoyne's telegram late at night along a dangerous road. The remainder of the unit, under Dr. Melly, left at dawn. Major Burgoyne's telegram stated that Waldia had been intensively bombed for 70 minutes, the native town making a conspicuous target and the grass roofs being easily set on fire. Major Burgoyne served in the Boer War. Ho is a barrister of the Middle Temple. He arrived at Addis Ababa in November and the Emperor appointed him to command a train of 100 Med Cross mules. Although ho is over <3O years of age he made the 300 miles journey to Dessie on foot. ' Two Irish doctors named Brophil and Hiekev are believed to be stationed near Waldia. There is no news of them.