Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Benito Mussolini might have had visions of becoming another great Roman emperor, but he was no Hitler. Or may be Italians were not like the Germans. And I do not say this slightingly.
In 1935 Mussolini's Italy attacked Abyssinia (presently Ethiopia) with the aim of annexing it. It was in for a surprise. Seen are the Italian soldiers taking positions.
ITALIAN WAR CRIMES IN ABYSSINIA (Source)
The 1935-36 Italian fascist invasion and subsequent occupation of Ethiopia were accompanied by numerous atrocities: the use of mustard gas, the bombing of Red Cross hospitals and ambulances, the execution of captured prisoners without trial, the Graziani massacre, the killings at Däbrä Libanos monastery, and the shooting of "witch-doctors" accused of prophesying the end of fascist rule. These acts are historically interesting, not only in themselves, but also in that they were brought to the international community's attention on two separate occasions: to the League of Nations, when they were committed, and later, to the United Nations.
The Abyssinian under their emperor Haile Selassie prepare to face the Italian army.
The Italian found the going tough. Shown are Italian POWs. Ultimately the Germans had to bail them out
The determined Haile Selassie, the Abyssinian Emperor.
Italian generals in Abyssinia. They hardly look as if they are serious about winning the war.0 Comments:
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