The Ides of March DTO (id:#57099)

Critical Hit (Critical Hit # 6.4 ID: CH145)   [next]   [previous]

Keren, Eritrea 1941-03-15 (3 others)

Overview:

Keren was the bastion of Mussolini’s East African Empire, defending against possible British invasion from the Sudan. Elite Italians of the Savoia Grenadiers and Alpini held the strategic heights astride Dongolaas Gorge. With the gorge blocked by demolition, and fortified, British soldiers of the 4th Indian Division were assigned the task of taking two of the nearly impregnable peaks – Brigs and Sanchil – that were situated nearby. For nearly 53 days, British and Indian troops besieged and assaulted the peaks next to the gorge. Despite brief success at capturing the peaks, Italian counter-attacks always drove back the weak and exhausted British troops. The 15th of March was to be no different, with massive casualties suffered by all. The only positive result of this offensive was the capture of Fort Dologorodoc.

Defender: Italian (Elements of the Savoia Grenadiers)  

Errata (source)