Battle of Gondar
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Battle of Gondar | |||||||
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Part of East African Campaign of World War II | |||||||
Current day Gondar |
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Belligerents | |||||||
Italy | Commonwealth troops Force of Ethiopians Kenya Armoured Car Regiment |
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Commanders | |||||||
Guglielmo Nasi | William Platt, and others | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
40,000 | Unknown |
The Battle of Gondar was the last stand of the Italian forces in Italian East Africa during the Second World War.[1] The battle took place in November 1941, during the East African Campaign.[1] The Italian garrison of 40,000 was commanded by General Guglielmo Nasi.[1]
Contents |
[edit] Occurrences
After the defeat of the Italian forces during the Battle of Keren on 1 April 1941, many of the remaining Italians withdrew to three strongholds: Amba Alagi, Jimma, and Gondar. Amba Alagi fell in May and Jimma fell in July.
[edit] Mountain passes
In November 1941, the Italian troops were attacked by two brigades.[1] The two mountain passes that overlooked the entrance to the town, were then controlled by the Italian troops.[1] The two Italian groups, that were controlling the passes, were forced into surrender.[1] This was because their supplies were cut off because of the Allies.[1]
[edit] Town
Once the Allied troops had taken over the mountain passes the Italian garrison under General Nasi in the town, had it overtaken by a force of British and Commonwealth troops and a force of Ethiopians,[1] on 27 November 1941. It was done with the help of the Kenya Armoured Car Regiment.[1]