Dongolaas Ravine

In mid-January 1941, British forces launched the Eritrea Campaign. The 4th and 5th Indian Divisions started their offensive from Sudan. They broke the Italian defensive lines in two weeks but finally the drive stopped in front of the town of …

1941-03-16

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In mid-January 1941, British forces launched the Eritrea Campaign. The 4th and 5th Indian Divisions started their offensive from Sudan. They broke the Italian defensive lines in two weeks but finally the drive stopped in front of the town of Keren, last gate to the Red Sea. The road to Keren was blocked by the retreating Italians who blew overhanging crags to fill the Dongolaas Ravine with boulders and rocks. The ridge was overlooked by the Dologo Fort and the excellent defensive positions held by the 11th Reggimento Granatieri di Savoia. This position needed to be taken to allow armor units to continue the advance. Assaults began on 4 February and during the subsequent month the Indian troops were unable to gain the upper hand. Finally, on 16 March, after an intensive artillery bombardment, elements of the 5th Indian Division captured the Dologo Fort and secured the Dongolaas Ravine and opened the way to Keren.

Dongolaas Ravine, Eritrea

The Battle of Keren was fought as part of the East African Campaign during the Second World War. The engagement took place from 5 February to 1 April 1941, between a mixed Italian army of regular and colonial troops and British troops and Free French forces. The town of Keren, in the colony of Italian East Africa, was of tactical importance to both sides in 1941. The road and railway through Keren were the main routes to the colonial capital at Asmara and the Red Sea port of Massawa, which surrendered to the British after the battle.

Wikipedia: Battle of Keren

Italians

India