The Italian conquest of British Somaliland in August 1940 would represent Italy’s only successful country conquest during the entire war. Only in British Somaliland would Italian arms fully defeat the British and take control of the desired territory. The primary aim of the seizure of British Somaliland was to protect the rear of the Italian positions in Ethiopia. Initially the Italians encountered no resistance as they launched a three-pronged attack. But as the moved towards Tug Argan pass, British opposition and difficult terrain would arrest their forward progress towards the coastal city of Berbera. Italian General De Simone led the center attack on the British defenses at the Tug Argan pass. On August 12th, General De Simone would send his central column supported by armor and consisting of colonial
troops up the main road into the pass. Defending this sector were the men of the 1st Northern Rhodesian Regiment and King’s 2nd Rifle Regiment.
Attacker: Italian (XV Brigata Coloniale and 322 Compagnia Carri M)
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