East Africa Campaign 1940���41

This compelling study delves into one of the often-overlooked campaigns of World War II, where British/Commonwealth, Indigenous, and Italian forces fought for control of the Horn of Africa. 

In mid-1940, Italy's East African colonies posed a significant threat to the British Empire, particularly to the vital supply lines through the Red Sea to Egypt. To counter this, British High Command sent reinforcements to Kenya and Sudan, marking the beginning of a series of confrontations across East Africa. The British aimed to keep the Italians isolated and prevent them from threatening the crucial supply routes. In March 1941, General Archibald Wavell, the British theatre commander, launched a rapid campaign to eliminate the Italian threat once and for all.

Italian military historian Pier Paolo Battistelli offers a fresh perspective on this campaign, covering the initial Italian attacks and the subsequent Allied counteroffensive into Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Italian Somaliland. Key battles such as Addis Ababa, Amba Alagi, Gondar, Tug Argan, and Keren are explored in depth. The book assesses the forces involved on both sides, including Orde Wingate’s Gideon Force, pro-Selassié Ethiopian irregulars, and troops from Eritrea and Somalia, as well as Indian, South African, British, and Italian regular forces. With vibrant artwork, detailed maps, and diagrams, this book sheds light on an often-overlooked World War II campaign and the brutal battle for the Horn of Africa.

96 pages softcover  
Author: Pier Paolo Battistelli  
Illustrator: Johnny Shumate