Italian Behemoth E AFR (id:#63547)

(Franc-Tireur#14 ID: FT230)   [next]   [previous]

West of El Sod, Abyssinia 1941-02-15 (1 other)

Overview:

In anticipation of an attack on the city of Yavello, General Brink and his 1st South African Division had set up around hills named Mega and Moyale. An attack along the Megpo-Moyale road was to be conducted by 2nd SA Infantry Brigade, while a sweeping move southward through El Sod was supposed to cut Italian lines of retreat. On February 14, 2nd SA Infantry Brigade started moving through the brush. The head of the column, spearheaded by 1st SA Irish, occupied El Sod on the 15th around 1400, before turning towards Mega. Covering the rear was C Company, 2nd Field Force Battalion and a section of machine guns. The group positioned itself behind a slight slope, overlooking the road. At about 0330 on 16 February, the forward section heard engines coming towards them. The Italian trucks, moving at full speed with lights out, were immediately attacked with machine gun fire, forcing the colonial infantry to seek cover. At about 0515, before dawn, the Italians tried a frontal assault, supported by light tanks.

Defender: South African (Elements of C Company, 2nd Field Force Battalion, 2nd SA Infantry Brigade Group)  

Errata (source)