Post by Diarist on Nov 12, 2015 8:47:25 GMT 1
I visited the Eritrean border this morning, Captain Mike Franklin and Erwin accompanied me. From our vantage point we could see at least 20km into Eritrea. South of the river there are agricultural projects with scarcely a house in sight. Ervin was saying that an infiltration strategy would work here - the advance guard could get near enough to Tesseney to support our airborne operation. I'm worried about them raising the alarm which would mean our platoon landing in a 'hot-zone'. We discussed it with the battalion commander. Their position is about 12km north of the main road from Kassala to Tesseney, the route which the bulk of the 154th Brigade will use. We agreed to send in a company of his troops shortly after midnight on the day we enter the war. The company selected spent the rest of the day ensuring their equipment didn't rattle when they walked - a silent infiltration is essential.
Back in Khartoum we had further news about the conflict in Abyssinia and from the League Council meeting in Geneva. The Italians are claiming that their actions are in response to Abyssinian provocations - blowing the bridges on the border. Italy has been condemned but no agreement has been made about sanctions. The latest news is from 14:00, Geneva time.
There is news of a large air battle north of Adwa. I bet that surprised the hell out of the Italians! We also have encouraging news from Asmara. Another bomb at the airfield headquarters this time and an attack on the nearby barracks where the base personnel sleep. A number of aircraft on the ground were destroyed by hand-grenades. A couple of ammunition dumps have been attacked and there have been further detonations in the dumps all night and during today. No word if they also stored chemical weapons. In the south Dolo has fallen to the enemy. Apparently General de Bono was injured yesterday but only lightly. Classic Italian "leading from the rear" doctrine.... De Bono would be safer at the front line because most of the fighting is being done by Askaris!
Before retiring there had been no announcement that Suez Canal is to be closed and that means no action tomorrow, Tuesday.
Back in Khartoum we had further news about the conflict in Abyssinia and from the League Council meeting in Geneva. The Italians are claiming that their actions are in response to Abyssinian provocations - blowing the bridges on the border. Italy has been condemned but no agreement has been made about sanctions. The latest news is from 14:00, Geneva time.
There is news of a large air battle north of Adwa. I bet that surprised the hell out of the Italians! We also have encouraging news from Asmara. Another bomb at the airfield headquarters this time and an attack on the nearby barracks where the base personnel sleep. A number of aircraft on the ground were destroyed by hand-grenades. A couple of ammunition dumps have been attacked and there have been further detonations in the dumps all night and during today. No word if they also stored chemical weapons. In the south Dolo has fallen to the enemy. Apparently General de Bono was injured yesterday but only lightly. Classic Italian "leading from the rear" doctrine.... De Bono would be safer at the front line because most of the fighting is being done by Askaris!
Before retiring there had been no announcement that Suez Canal is to be closed and that means no action tomorrow, Tuesday.