Italian Army Combat Analysis- Abyssinia

[durb]

How about the structure of Italian army invading to Ethiopia. How much of the manforce was actually Italian and how much of it was built by recruited local resources - Eritrean/Somalian soldiers? I have read some statements that the latter actually made more fighting in the battlefield and that these colonial recruits were also more efficient as infantry units in local terrain than the Italian troops sent from Italy. Were the local colonial troops vitally important key factor for Italian victory?

The conflict looks rather one sided and militarily not interesting as Italians had so clear advantage in almost all aspects: technological superiority and better armament, more organized forces, complete superiority in air and they could use a bulk of locally recruited troops. It was the last of the classical European colonial wars, in which Europeans with technological superiority crushed easily clearly inferior enemy and expanded successfully their colonial possessions. In this respect the war was not a much lesson for Italian army and air forces when it came to serious warfare against stronger and better equipped opposition.

The only reasonable tactics for Ethiopians/Abyssinians would have been (or indeed was to) resort to guerrilla tactics in order to cut Italian supply lines and make it uncomfortable the occupation of country with the continuing attrition of the occupying forces. This would have made it questionable for Italians to gain real profit of their conquest. This kind of warfare actually broke down few decades later the Portuguese colonial empire in Africa - in the long run it was just too costly affair for Portugal to keep a firm military and political grip on its colonies in Africa.

Perhaps the main question is how successfully Italians managed to pacify Ethiopia/Abyssinia and handled the possible guerillas/insurgents during and after the "official" Italian-Ethiopian war. Did they develop successful antiguerrilla and anti-insurgency strategies and tactics? How firm grip Italians managed to have over the new conquered colonial provinces?

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little more................

Krieg in Ostafrika.................

Source: Das Interessante Blatt. 24 Oktober 1935.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[Sid Guttridge]

Hi durb,

The invading Italian forces were overwhelmingly of ethnic Italians, some volunteer Black Shirt units in Somalia being drawn from as far away as the USA and Argentina.

However, probably the best infantry were the (two?) Eritrean colonial divisions. Some of these troops had already seen active service in Libya and they knew how to operate off road in the terrain as well as the Ethiopians did. The Italians, by contrast, were largely roadbound in terrain without roads. It was largely this, the start of the rains and Ethiopian resistance, that brought their initial advance to a halt and obliged them to pour in even more metropolitan Italian divisions over the winter of 1935/36.

It was only after the occupation of Ethiopia that most Italian troops were withdrawn and the colonial units increased to a couple of hundred thousand. By WWII the vast majority of Italian troops in AOI were locally raised.

Sid.

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little more................

Krieg in Ostafrika.................

Source: Das Interessante Blatt. 24 Oktober 1935.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little more................

THE ARTILLERY IN THE BATTLE OF ASHANGI, 31 MARCH-5 APRIL 1936. [L'artiglieria alia battaglia dell'Ascianghi (31 marzo-5 aprile 1936).] Alberto Cappa.

The battle of Ashangi, fought on 31 March-5 April 1936, was the decisive battle of the Italian-Abyssinian War. The Italian advance guard reached the Dubbar Pass on 17 March, and began to entrench itself in a naturally strong position, pending the arrival of the main body. The Abyssinian Army, under Emperor Haile Selassi, arrived on the 21st. Instead of attacking at once, the Emperor held a council of war on the 24th, and it was decided at this meeting to make a frontal attack on the 31st. In the meanwhile, the Italians were strengthening their positions and bringing up guns, ammunition and reinforcements.

The Ethiopians launched their attack against the southern flanks of the Italian position, but the defenders held their ground against repeated assaults. _At 11:30 AM, 31 March, the Italians launched a counteroffensive, and towards evening the Abyssinians began to retire. The Italians lost no time in exploiting their success, bringing up their guns in pursuit of the enemy rear guard. By 5 April the Abyssinian army had been routed and the road to Addis Ababa was open.

Source: CATALOG OF SELECTED PERIODICAL ARTICLES. Military Review Dec 1937.
Das Interessante Blatt. 24 Oktober 1935.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little more................

The Chemical Weapons in the Italian-Abyssinian war 1935/1936.
Colonel W. Volkart, Instr. Of. Infantry.

Built up and preparations, took place shortly after the end of the rainy season (September 30), under the overall direction of the General De Bono the border crossing and the overall-out attack took place on October 3, 1935 at 05:00 hours. The general plan of campaign was originally as follows:

1. The main group, strengthened at that time with five army corps (11 divisions) would be the North Army coming from Asmara, having as its mission the seizing of Adua - Makalle - Dessié and then to take the capital Addis Ababa, as the political, strategic and economic center of the country.

An extension detachment should advance to cover the right flank of the main group against the Lake Tana and at the same time stop the smuggling of weapons from the English Sudan.

2. The southern Army, increased gradually up to 3 army corps (5 divisions), had the task of binding the enemy in the Ogaden, possibly attracting a lot of strength from the Abyssinian main front and advance against the highlands of Harrar.

3. For the connection between North and South Army was 1 Division of Assab which was to be engaged on the Mussalli Ridge and in the lower Hawasch. It also should avoid troubles keeping at bay the desert tribes in Danakil, Afar and Aussa and make it impossible the smuggling of weapons from the French Somaliland.

The advance from Erythrea was given as the main effort. This Colony was situated closer from the motherland than the southern Somaliland and had ports, especially Massawa and Zula. Erythrea was suitable therefore certainly better as a base of operations, although, was expected to meet the Abyssinian main forces in the rich lands of Tigre and in the south.

On the southern front, the greater freedom of movement for military highly mobile forces was greatly hindered by the unfavorable climatic conditions and by the water shortage.

Source: Die Gaswaffe im italienisch-abessinischen Krieg 1935/1936. Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift : ASMZ Band (Jahr): 116 (1950). Heft 12

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little more................

The Chemical Weapons in the Italian-Abyssinian war 1935/1936.
Colonel W. Volkart, Instr. Of. Infantry.

Until October 06 and after a marching average of 35 km, overcoming differences in altitude of between 1,000 and 1,300 m were reached and conquered as first targets: Adigrat and Adua and then Axum (October 16). Many battles were also fought in the second period of the offensive, which did not begin until November 03. Hausien and Selaklaka were occupied and after a concentric attack with a heavy bombardment of preparation was conquered Makalle. The Northern Army only found strong resistance by the Ethiopians south of Makalle on the mountain range around Amba Alagi.

For his part, General Graziani organized three columns, the most important in the center running along the valley of Webi Schebeli and aiming at Belet Uen and a column on each side of it; one to the east of the valley of Faf, marching on Ual-Ual and the other along the valley of Ganale Doria by Lugh Ferrandi to Dolo. The attacks on both flanks failed after the conquest of Dolo and Gerlogubi, although Gorrahei resisted the assault. However the bulk of the Southern Army, after several highly effective mass bombing, could conquer the strong Ethiopian defenses at Gorrahei advancing from the south and east. Gorrahei had been the target of Italian bombers during the previous four weeks.

The advance from Assab against the Mussalli mountains faced adverse weather and water shortage and against all expectations did not achieve significant progress. Only about 30 km west of the mountains a new airfield was built.

From 14 till 23 October the advance of the Ras Seyums south of Makalle, the Headquarters of the Crown Prince in Dessie, the advance of the Ras Destas and the Ras Nasibus in the Somali front and 29/30 October the advance of the Ras Immrus east of Lake Tana and the hordes of Ras Destas in Magalo, 400 km north of Dolo suffered heavy bombardments.

According to the situation the League of Nations decided on October 10 to impose sanctions against Italy which became effective on October 18. Given the facts, Mussolini reacted by saying: "Italy will respond to the sanctions with discipline, frugality and sacrifice." Marshal Badoglio in the preface to his book "The War in Abyssinia" summed up the situation as follows: "there was a second and categorical imperative, victory and fast!" The logical consequence was that General de Bono had to be replaced and was succeeded by General Badoglio on November 15, 1935. The latter arrived in Massawa on November 28.

General Badoglio demanded six more divisions, reinforced the artillery and the air force, increased the chemical shells, thereby exceeding the monthly credit of war. The Southern Army received 150 aircraft as reinforcement, camel troops detachments, motorized troops, motorized light artillery and reinforcements in tanks. At the end of the year Italy had available at the theater about 500,000 men having European regular troops, black shirts troops and natives, also about 100,000 workers. The Under-Secretary of State, General Baistrocchi publicly stated before the Senate the following figures: 450,000 rifles, 11,500 machine guns, 300 tanks, 80,000 horses, mules and camels, 13,000 motor vehicles.

In December several signs indicating a possible Ethiopian offensive were noted. Along the defensive line where General de Bono had stopped: Axum - Adua - Makalle, which had not been properly secured, gathered the Abyssinian troops with confidence and fighting spirit. In these battles, as reported later by the Negus to the League of Nations, the Italian aircrafts would have used chemical weapons for the first time in the war.

Source: Die Gaswaffe im italienisch-abessinischen Krieg 1935/1936. Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift : ASMZ Band (Jahr): 116 (1950). Heft 12

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little more................

The Chemical Weapons in the Italian-Abyssinian war 1935/1936.
Colonel W. Volkart, Instr. Of. Infantry.

On December 26, 1935 while attacking Dagabur with incendiary bombs and machine guns, the aircraft of Lieutenant Minniti and NCO Zannoni crashed at Djidjiga and both pilots were captured by the angry natives and massacred. Their heads were displayed on sticks and taken to the Ethiopian Headquarters. Following the barbarism committed against the Italian airmen, the European power now felt it could use any means at its disposal against Abyssinia, including chemical weapons. The Italian Army was ready.

A subsequent retaliatory attack was carried out against Dolo on Dec. 29 with explosives, incendiary and chemical bombs, spreading horror and starting officially the chemical warfare in Ethiopia.

The places and dates of gas bombardment were:

December 22, 1935: Takazze
December 26, 1935: Amba Alagi south Macalle
December 30, 1935: La Borana west of Dolo on the southern front.

The Ras Desta gathered a considerable army of 30,000 / 40,000 men and slowly moved south through the valley of Ganale Doria and attacked the Italian positions in Dolo, seeking to penetrate as far as Mogadishu. However, on January 2, 1936, General Graziani launched from his positions in Dolo, a raid against Amino, located about 60 km north of Dolo. This forced the opponent to adopt a defensive attitude in the Gogoru area, resulting in the Battle of Ganale Doria from 12 to 16 January 1936. Protecting its northern flank, gripped the Ethiopian front and launched an attack from the southern flank, beating and chasing them into the area north of Neghelli. In the ensued fighting the Italians used aircraft, riders, camels and mechanized forces. The Air Force had special instructions to use all available means in the battle until January 20, the day of the capture of Neghelli, carried out 141 bombing flights and 149 reconnaissance flights employing the onboard weapons. They launched a total of 39,000 tons of bombs.

The remnants of the Ethiopian army scattered in the mountains. The bulk of the Italian army marched east into northern Ogaden in order to fight the Ras Nasibu. The battle of Ganale Doria was the first strategic and tactical offensive in its preparation, implementation and importance in the theater of war of East African.

Source: Die Gaswaffe im italienisch-abessinischen Krieg 1935/1936. Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift : ASMZ Band (Jahr): 116 (1950). Heft 12

Cheers. Raúl M .

[Happy Wanderer]

Gentlemen,

Are there any books in English that give details of tactical actions conducted during the Abyssinian War...from either side?

The Italian official history recently published as noted above by Jeff seems like an promising title. For a non Italian reader does it represent value such that information can be extracted or is it predominantly dense text that will be lost on a non Italain reader?

There seems such a dearth of information in English on what was a rather large theatre of operations it seems like there must be details somewhere. Even the Military Observer reports seems to lack this 'tactical detail' describing small unit actions.

How about personal memories that convey a low level combat feel for this period?

Any info on the English language sources would be appreciated.

Kind regards

Happy Wanderer

[Sid Guttridge]

Hi Happy Wanderer,

If you did any Latin-based language at school, you can get quite a lot out of Italian texts.

What is more, if one is following a technical subject like military history, many of the words and terms used will be recognizeable.

If there are also good maps and statistical tables, the task of understanding the text is even easier.

Italian dictionaries are often available for a pittance in charity shops. Besides, you can always type key sentences into an internet translator.

Cheers,

Sid.

[Happy Wanderer]

Hi Sid,

No Latin based language for me I'm afraid.

All good suggestions - thanks.

I was hoping someone might have the titles and be able to give a brief description as to its value to non english readers, taking into account all that you said below. Even though the maps and unit numbers etc are readable to a point I was looking to see whether some small unit action type detail was readable or comprehensible in the text. If it had a really good map section to help with the text then that would be useful.

Shame my wife's father didn't teach her Italian!!

Cheers

Happy W

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little more................

The Chemical Weapons in the Italian-Abyssinian war 1935/1936.
Colonel W. Volkart, Instr. Of. Infantry.

The first news that "extensive gas attacks from the air" against the troops of Ras Desta had taken place, were from January 8, 1936, while the special correspondent of "News Chronicle" reported on January 12 from Dessié that Amele in the province of Ogaden had been bombed by gas bombs and that gas bombs were particularly preferred over the crowds because of their moral action. From the same reporter came also the same
date the news that two days earlier on the northern front, the provincial capital of Wollo, Sakota, 100 km southwest Macalle was attacked with gas and incendiary bombs and the city had been destroyed by fire. Sakota was not then in the combat zone. The Aircraft came directly from Erythrea and dropped mustard gas bombs.

The effect of great success in the southern front was overlapped with the second (Tembien), as a battle of a major armed conflict because the Ethiopians began to concentrate his troops on the northern front in the province of Tembien already between 7 and 10 January 1936 around Macalle in Amba Aradam and against Gabat. Of course, these movements were violently attacked by artillery and the Italian Air Force. Thus they are indicating a strong attack of the Ethiopian west of Macalle, in the general direction of Adua along the caravan route. Still, however, the forces of the Abyssinians were divided: Ras Seyum was with Ras Kassa in the area of ​​Abbi Addi on the Southeast border of Tembien, disturbing the Italian advance west of Macalle and was preparing an offensive against Hauzien while Ras Mulugheta with an army twice as large - one spoke of some 80,000 men - south of Macalle was waiting for this attack, once the action against Hauzien had been carried out, should isolate Macalle.

It was certainly a mistake by the Abyssinian High Command carried out a simultaneous offensive on the northern front with only fragmented attacks by local chiefs. If the first successful offensive of Ras Immru against Axum in December had been properly coordinated with the following attacks of Ras Seyum and Ras Kassa against Hauzien - Adua three weeks later and have continued Ras Mulugheta not only they would have a success with the central attack, but they had taken Makalle, giving a headache to the European army, gaining time on his side and constituting an impact on the plans of the attacker. Yet each Ras was beaten separately. Now General Badoglio decided to attack the enemy to forestall and prevent their union.

Source: Die Gaswaffe im italienisch-abessinischen Krieg 1935/1936. Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift : ASMZ Band (Jahr): 116 (1950). Heft 12

Cheers. Raúl M .

[Happy Wanderer]

Hi Tigre,

Interesting reading.

You don;t by any chance have any information or pictures on the types flags that the Ethiopians used do you?

We know they used three types;

1.Basic Green-yellow-Red flags.



2. Haile Selassie's Imperial St.George Dragon flag and lion on obverse.



3. A set of pennants of Green-yellow-Red or there reverese.



Do you/anyone know of any others? I have heard of a White-Red (with cross)-White...any idea how this would look?

Any info on Ethiopian flags would be appreciated.

Cheers

Happy W

[tigre]

Hello Happy W ; sadly I don't.....but I'll stay alert just in case. Thanks for that info about the Ethiopians' flags . Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little more................

The Chemical Weapons in the Italian-Abyssinian war 1935/1936.
Colonel W. Volkart, Instr. Of. Infantry.

The first battle of Tembien – 20th – 24th of January.

The distraction of the Abyssinian War Minister by attacking Neghida - Debri to shut off the Gabat Valley as a link between the two armies and against the Doghea- Pass, both of which were more intended a move to camouflage the main attack. Ras Midugheta declined the attack as a result of the association with Ras Seyum and remained in the defense.

The Italian main attack went on from Abaro Pass over the Zeban Karkata and to circumvent over the Uarieu Pass against Ras Seyum which in itself was offensive and Shielding against Uarieu Pass to the north over the Abaro Pass, trying a break through. The Italians were stopped on both passes. An Italian reinforcing column engaged from the east managed reach the rear, the long unconquered position of the Abyssinians and overran it. Therefore the attack of Ras Seyums was broken. The battle lasted until 23 January and ended after very violent struggles, fighting the difficult terrain with heavy losses in both sides because the lack of tanks, with a successful defense of the Italians. The lines remained almost unchanged because the Blackshirts lacked the power to pursuit.

In this battle was organized the first tactically gas air attack of the Italians. East of Takazze river, which was flooded as a result of the rain, and therefore was considered to be sufficient protection for the western flank of Tembien front as well because of its steep riverbank, the Italians had pushed forwards weak protection units to all possible fords. On the other side of the river held strong armies of Ras Seyum and Kassa. The Ethiopians taking advantage of the local success at the two passes north of Abbi-Addi crossed the Takazze swiftly and boldly, with the intention of attacking the Italians on the unprotected right flank and to open the route in their back. The weak outposts elements were thrown into disarray and quickly destroyed. Another resistance no longer existed. Reserves were not available in Tembien. All Troops at Abaro and Uarieu Passes were committed. The situation was very bad. The only opportunity was still in the Air Force.

All available Bombers were therefore used against the rear lines in order to slow down and destroy the advancing Abyssinian. By machine-gun fire and bombings the indigenous attacker were herded and forced to hold. Afterwards they were hard poured with mustard gas. This was the first systematic use of chemical weapons by aircrafts on a large scale that the military history knows at all. The armies of Ras Seyum and Kassa lost at one stroke their Character as a fighting force. They fled randomly. Flanks and rear of the Italians were saved. The gas-air defense on the right wing of the Tembien front was safe due to a highly decisive defensive success. However, it was not listed or mentioned in the official reports.

Source: Die Gaswaffe im italienisch-abessinischen Krieg 1935/1936. Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift : ASMZ Band (Jahr): 116 (1950). Heft 12

Cheers. Raúl M .