Battle of Amba Alagi (1941) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Amba Alagi
Part of the East African Campaign of World War II
Indian troops running to Amba Alagi
Date 4–19 May 1941 Location Amba Alagi, Italian East Africa 12°59′N 39°33′E / 12.983°N 39.550°E / 12.983; 39.550 Result Allied victory
Belligerents
Italy Italian East Africa	United Kingdom  South Africa Ethiopian Empire
Commanders and leaders
Prince Amedeo, Duke of Aosta  (POW)	Sir Alan Cunningham William Platt Mosley Mayne
Strength
7,000 (4,000 Italians and 3,000 colonials)	41,000 (regulars & irregulars)
Casualties and losses
3,500 killed or wounded, all survivors captured	Unknown

The Battle of Amba Alagi was an important fight during World War II. It happened in May 1941 as part of the East African Campaign. This battle was fought in a tough mountain area called Amba Alagi in Italian East Africa.

The Stronghold of Amba Alagi

After a big defeat at Keren in April 1941, an Italian leader named Prince Amedeo, the Duke of Aosta, moved his soldiers to Amba Alagi. This mountain was like a natural fortress. It had tunnels and caves dug into the rock. These tunnels were meant to protect the soldiers. They also held lots of supplies and ammunition. The Italian troops believed they were safe there.

However, some people thought it was a bad choice. Even though the mountain was easy to defend, it did not have much food or water. An Italian Marshal later called Amba Alagi "a rock with neither water nor food."

The Battle Begins

The British Army started attacking Amba Alagi on May 4. Their troops were led by Major-General Mayne. They attacked from both the east and west sides, trying to surround the mountain.

The fighting was very hard. The land was rough and mountainous. On May 12, more Allied troops arrived. These were the 1st South African Brigade, led by Brigadier Dan Pienaar. They had just captured an Italian base in a town called Dessie, about 200 miles south of Amba Alagi.

By May 14, Amba Alagi was completely surrounded. The Allied forces planned a final big attack for the next day.

A Surprising End

But something unexpected happened. An artillery shell hit an Italian fuel storage area. This caused a stream of oil to flow into the last clean drinking water the Italians had. Without fresh water, the Italian soldiers could not keep fighting.

The Italian commander began talking about stopping the fight on May 16, 1941. The Duke of Aosta and his soldiers officially gave up on May 19, 1941. They surrendered to the British commander, Lieutenant-General Sir Alan Cunningham. The Duke and his troops were given "honours of war." This meant they were treated with respect for fighting bravely.

This surrender marked the end of Italy's main control in East Africa. Some smaller Italian groups continued to fight until 1943.

Images for kids

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  Italian vehicles left behind on the road to Amba Alagi.

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  Seyoum Mengesha speaks to Ethiopian fighters under his command.

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  A South African 25-pounder gun firing at Amba Alagi.

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  A group of 4.5-inch howitzers from the South African Army in action.

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  Prince Amedeo talks to Mosley Mayne (on the left) during the surrender.