Post by Diarist on Feb 3, 2016 16:19:16 GMT 1
In the northwest the 154th Infantry Brigade has taken Agordat which was defended by a company of the XXVIII Battalion indigeni (Eritrean Ascari). They had already been trying dislodge troops from Major Wingate's irregulars. The advance continues to Keren to link up with the Karori BG approaching from the north. They have been struggling with the difficult terrain. 12th and 15th RAF Squadrons with Hawker Harts are being transferred to the Agordat airfield. Further south, Wolqayt and Semien Sefari are approaching Barentu. The Wolqayt will head towards Agordat and the Semien to Shambuko to protect the right flank of the main force. The Gojjam Sefari will move to Barentu and remain in reserve. The 238th Field Company, Royal Engineers, will prepare a landing strip for the remainder of the 3rd RAF Wing there.
The Italian rear-guard units have been re-designated IV Infantry Corps and are slowing retiring northwards and have withheld all attempts by the Abyssinians to break through the line despite being under heavy air attack. The Tigray Sefari with ca. 15,000 men is moving north from Shire in an attempt to outflank the Italian right. In the Eastern Lowlands the French are now moving north and have been joined by an irregular Abyssinian force. Little resistance is being encountered. The defending forces under Brig. Gen. Mariotti have been under heavy naval gunfire for most of the day and are retreating inland into the hills.
