INDEX
Ships of all nationalities are in their alphabetical places in italics. Groups, Wings, Squadrons and other units of the R.A.F. are under Royal Air Force. Squadrons of the F.A.A. are under Fleet Air Arm. Squadrons of the R.A.A.F. and S.A.A.F. are under Royal Australian Air Force and South African Air Force. Corps, Divisions and Brigades of the British Army are under those headings. Formations of the German and Italian Armies are under the headings German Army and Italian Army. All army units are in their alphabetical places in the index.
Abd el Galil Seif en Nasr, Sheikh: 297, 354
Abdullah Ibn Hussein, Emir of Transjordan: 15, 88
Aboukir, aircraft depot; description of, 70 air attacks on, 113
Abyssinia: see Ethiopia
Addis Ababa: Italian forces at, 93, 166; air attacks on, 178; entry of, 391, 396, 420-2
Addis Derra: operations near, 426
Aden: importance of, 5, 16; independent air command in, 31, 94, 420; garrison at, 32, 94; land command in, 63; airfields at, 69, 72; reinforcement of, 83; no land threat to, 89, 189; air forces at, 96, 114, 178, 261, 450; air defence of, 213
Administration: definition of term, 59; see also Middle East base and under each Service. Administration in a particular campaign or area is indexed under the general heading
Administrative units: scarcity of, 66
Admiralty: on role of Mediterranean Fleet, 18, 98; decides to use storage accommodation at Haifa, 27, 75; and Allied naval co-operation, 27; and Malta, 30, 217-8; and command in Middle East, 33; controls merchant ships, 42, 43, 77; orders Destroyer Flotilla to Gibraltar, 43; and contraband control, 45, 99; orders Admiral Cunningham to Malta, 47, 77; asked for guidance on course of war, 52; and air reconnaissance in Mediterranean, 72, 307; and floating dock for Alexandria, 75-6; and base facilities, 77; and air defence of Haifa, 79; and reinforcements for Mediterranean Fleet, 82, 155, 313, 321; anxious for safety of Dominion convoys, 84; and submarines, 110; and attack on merchant ships, 111; cancels sweep by French squadron, 124; controls Force H, 126; and French Fleet, 130, 132, 136-40, 143; on role of naval forces in Mediterranean, 155; and reinforcements for Malta, 159; and proposal for regional War Council, 185; and Dakar operation, 216; on reduction of Mediterranean Fleet, 299; orders enquiry on Spartivento action, 307; and convoy 'EXCESS', 307; and 'WORKSHOP', 307; agrees to bombardment of Genoa, 329
Aegean Sea: 98, 111, 147; contraband control in, 46; Italian policy in, 89
Agordat: battle at, 400-1; Duke of Aosta's orders for, 402
Agreements: see Treaties
Air Headquarters, Middle East: 95, 197
Air Ministry: and Malta, 30; and Mediterranean Command, 31; and reinforcement and rearmament of Middle East, 61, 71, 193-4, 199, 252, 374; discuss maintenance facilities, 71; and administration, 94; and Takoradi air route, 196-7; and attack of dams, 329; and aid to Greece, 339
Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Middle East: see Mitchell, Longmore, and, for joint action, Commanders-in-Chief
Air Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force, Middle East: 3, 11, 31; now see Mitchell, Longmore, (Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief)
Airone: destroyed, 221
Air Reconnaissance: agreed number of squadrons in Mediterranean, 72; need for more, 147, 161, 204, 307, 313; need for suitable aircraft, 193, 194
Air reinforcement scheme, inter-command: 18-19, 41
Ajax, H.M.S.: for Mediterranean Fleet, 192: engages enemy, 221-2; takes units to Crete, 229, 242; in encounter with Italian convoy, 238; in convoy operations, 320
Albania: Governor of see Jacomoni; Commander in see Prasca, Soddu; invasion of, 24; Italian divisions in, 224, 225, 334, 337; estimated air forces in, 234; cam-paign in, 333-5, 336-7
Alexandria: see also French squadron at; as Fleet base, 9-10, 31, 63-4, 74-9, 90, 198; air defence of, 36, 80, 213-4, 232, 261-2, 288; importance of, 36; Fortress Commander of, 36, 102, 213-4; naval forces at, 42; airfields at, 78; floating dock at, 76, 80; defences to be manned, 83; air attacks on, 113, 164, 213-4; as a port, 250
Algeria: see North Africa
Allen, Brigadier A. S.: 282
'Alpenveilchen': 337
Aly Maher Pasha: 54, 121
Amba Alagi: battle of, 391, 396, 442-7
Anglo-Iranian oilfields: 1; defence of, 15, 49, 62,129,187
Anti-Aircraft Defence Commander, Alexandria: 214
--483--
Aosta, Duke of, Viceroy of Ethiopia: visits Rome, 165; instructed on military policy, 165-6, 429, 447; on general situation, 167, 429-32; uneasy about French Somaliland, 167-8; and Italian capture of Kassala, 170; and capture of British Somaliland, 174, 176n; and internal rebellion, 184, 448; and activity round Kassala, 399; his orders for Agordat and Barentu, 402, 431; enquiries into raid on El Wak, 408; on bombardment of Modun, 416; his orders for 101st and 102nd Colonial Divisions, 416; negotiates about safety of civilians, 420, 444; mentioned, 422; changes system of reserves, 429; orders formation of areas of resistance, 429, 432; orders evacuation of western Eritrea, 430; simplifies system of command, 431; Frusci's reports to, 439; orders resistance at Massawa, 442; in his final stand at Amba Alagi, 391, 396, 442, 444, 446-7; surrender of, 446
Aphis, H.M.S.: bombardments by, 212, 266, 271, 278, 284; lands water, 280; in Inshore Squadron, 290
Aquilone: sunk, 211
Aquitania, s.s.: 244n
Arab Legion: role of, 16
Arethusa, H.M.S.: 47; (class) 75
Argonauto: sunk, 149
Argus, H.M.S.: with fighters for Malta, 159-60, 241, 243-4; with fighters to Takoradi, 195
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 1st Bn: 270
Ariel: blows up, 221
Ark Royal, H.M.S.: in Force H, 126; mentioned, 131, 156n, 321; and action at Oran, 132n, 136, 137; in diversionary operations, 155; operations of aircraft, 160, 202, 242, 330-1; in convoy operations, 201, 300-1, 310, 316-7; in operation to reinforce Malta, 243; in action off Cape Spartivento, 301-6; in bombardment of Genoa, 328-31
Armistice, French: 122, 123, 124; terms of, 125; 167, 185, 225
Armoured Car Company, No. 2, R.A.F.: 259
Armstrong, Brigadier B. F.: 409
Army/Air Component: 264
Army in Middle East: during Ethiopian crisis, 4; reinforcements for, 12, 56-7, 62, 84, 190-2, 245-7, 374; in 1938 crisis, 17; system of command in, 31-2; on eve of war with Germany, 41-2, with Italy, 97, 100; policy for expansion of, 62; organization of, 103-6; state of, 188-9
Artigliere: sunk, 221
Asmara: surrender of, 441
Assab: air attacks on airfield, 114
Atbara: importance of, 168; air attacks on, 170
Attlee, Rt. Hon. C. R.: 191n
Auckland, H.M.S.: 178
Augusta: air attacks on, 154, 161
Australia: see also Australian Government; declares war on Germany and expands defence forces, 57
Australian Battalions:
2/1st: 284
2/2nd: 284-7
2/3rd: 284-6, 291
2/5th: 286
2/6th: 286
2/7th: 286
2/8th: 286, 291-3
2/11th: 287
Australian Divisional Cavalry Regiment: 283-4, 293
Australian Government: anxious for safety of Dominion convoys, 84; wish to keep contingents intact, 84-5, 295; and fleet for Far East, 126; and the decision to help Greece, 381, 386-7
Australian land forces: arrive in Middle East, 57, 84
Austria: invaded, 12, 17
Auto-Saharan companies: 294, 297
Awash: Aosta's orders for defence of, 432; capture of, 419
Babini General: 352-3
Badoglio,Marshal: advises against entry into war, 83; on Italian naval policy, 145; on military policy in East Africa, 165-6, 429; annoyed about French Somaliland, 168; on invasion of Greece, 225-6, 337; position of, 363
Bagnold, Major R.A.: 294-6
Balbo, Marshal: delivers proclamation to Arabs, 8; death of, 113; intentions of 118; succeeded by Graziani, 207
Balkans: British policy towards, 49, 50, 53, 122, 372, 374 et seq., 395; threat to, 49-83
Baluch Regiment, 10th, 4th Bn: 438
Bande Nere: 156, 158
'Barbarossa': 240, 349
Bardera: advance on, 416
Bardia: naval bombardments of, 110, 113, 150, 162-3, 278, 286; air attacks on, 253, 261; capture of 271, 275, 277-8, 281-7
Barentu: action at, 401; Duke of Aosta's orders for, 402
Barham, H.M.S.: returns to U.K., 47; relieves Ramillies, 156n; for Mediterranean Fleet, 218, 299; in operation 'COAT', 241-2; bombards Bardia, 286; mentioned, 309; in convoy operations, 320
Barker, Sir Henry: 147
Barker, Lieut.-General M. G. H.: 55
Bartolomeo Colleoni: 156-8
Basra: development of port, 62, 66
Battisti: scuttled, 441
Battle of Britain: 251
Beaverbrook, Lord: 191n
Beda Fomm: battle of, 356-62
Belai Zalleka, Lij: 426
Belgium: invasion of, 88
Benghazi: British air attacks on, 211, 261; importance of attacking, 217-8; capture of important, 343, 344, 346, 351; plan
--484--
Benghazi—cont.
for attack on, 355-6; entered, 359; enemy air attacks on, 365-6, 374; no serious operation beyond, 365, 372
Benina: air attacks on, 211, 266
Benois M.: 189
Bentinck, Major Count A. W. D.: 184, 404-5
Berbera: defence of, 98, 573 et seq.; Italians enter, 177; recapture of, 396, 455, 417
Beresford-Peirse, Major-General N. M. de la P.: in battle of Sidi Barrani, 267, 269- 70; and advance to Kassala, 400; and battle at Agordat, 401; and battle of Keren, 434-5
Bergonzoli, Lieut.-General: 282, 287, 361
Berillo: sunk, 220
Bernotti, Admiral R.: 331-2
Bertello, Brigadier-General: 174
Berti, General: in advance into Egypt, 208; told of activity in Nibeiwa-Rabia gap, 273; on leave, 281; replaced, 287
Bertoldi, Lieut.-General: 174
Berwick, H.M.S.: in operation 'COAT', 241; leaves Mediterranean, 299-302, 306; damaged, 304, 311
Bhagat, 2nd Lieut. P. S.: 401
Birks, Colonel H. L.: 267
Black Watch, 2nd Bn: goes to Aden, 78, 128; in British Somaliland, 173, 177, 189
Blamey, Lieut.-General Sir Thomas: 295, 365
Blenheims, bomber aircraft: heat distortion of, 73;
(Mark I) compared with S.79, 96; range of, 112
(Mark IV) no spares for, 115; superior to Mark I, 193
Board of Enquiry: on action off Cape Spartivento, 307
Bolzano class: 153
Bomba: air attacks on, 164
Bombardment, air and sea: policy for, 28-9n, 86
Bomber Command, R.A.F.: 12, 194, 233, 313
Bonaventure, H.M.S.: 316-18, 321
Bonetti, Admiral: 441-2
Bordeaux Government: see Vichy Government
Borea: sunk, 211
Boustead, Colonel J. E. H.: 424-5
Boyd, Captain D. W.: 319
Boyd, Air Marshal O. T.: 254n
Bragadin, Captain M. A.: 332
Breconshire, H.M.S.: 317, 323
Bretagne: blows up, 136
Brigades:
Armoured:
4th: in first patrols, 118-9; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 267, 269-70; and pursuit to Bardia, 270-1; and capture of Tobruk, 287; near Mechili, 351, 353; reinforced, 356; in battle of Beda Fomm, 358-9, 361
7th: 97; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 269-70; and capture of Bardia, 270, 282; and capture of Tobruk, 287; near Derna, 351; Australians relieve, 353; cannibalized, 356; ordered to Antelat, 359
Infantry:
Cairo: 37, 42
1st East African: 181
1st South African: in Kenya, 181; in raid on El Wak, 408; in capture of Kismayu, 412-3; in reserve 416; under command 11th African Division, 417; advances to Diredawa, 419; in action at Combolcha, 443; in battle of Amba Alagi, 446; for Egypt, 449
2nd East African: 181
2nd South African: in Kenya, 407; penetrates Galla-Sidamo, 409; relieved, 411, 422; arrives at Berbera, 418; for Egypt, 422, 449
5th Indian: in battle of Sidi Barrani, 259n, 268-9; and advance to Kassala, 400; at Agordat, 401; in the battle of Keren, 434-5, 437
5th South African: in Kenya, 407; penetrates Galla-Sidamo, 409; relieved, 411; sails to Egypt, 422, 449
7th Indian: 259n; near Port Sudan, 399; in advance on Asmara, 433, 436-7; in capture of Massawa, 441-2
9th Indian: at Butana Bridge, 397; at Gallabat, 399, 401; at Gedaref, 402; in the battle of Keren, 437-9; captures Asmara, 441; and battle of Amba Alagi, 443, 445-6
10th Indian: and attack on Gallabat, 397-8; for attack on Kassala, 399; and action at Barentu, 400-1; in battle of Keren, 439; in capture of Massawa, 442; and battle of Amba Alagi, 443
11th Indian: arrives in Egypt, 38; continues training, 42; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 259n, 267; for attack on Kassala, 399; at Agordat, 400-1; in battle of Keren, 433-5, 437
14th (British): 97, 242
16th Australian: for Egypt, 271; and capture of Bardia, 278, 282-6; and capture of Tobruk, 287, 291
16th (British): in battle of Sidi Barrani, 259n, 269-70; and pursuit to Bardia, 271, 278, 283; helps at Sollum, 280; part of 6th Division, 375
17th Australian: and capture of Bardia, 282, 286-7; and capture of Tobruk, 291; near Derna, 356; at Benghazi, 359
18th (British): 38, 42
19th Australian: formation of, 283; in capture of Bardia, 286-7; and capture of Tobruk, 287, 291; near Derna, 353, 356; at Slonta, 359; at El Magrun, 361
--485--
Brigades: Infantry—cont.
21st East African: relieves South African brigades, 411; ordered to Isha Baidoa, 416; under command 12th African Division, 422
22nd East African: in capture of Kismayu, 412-3; cuts Mogadishu road, 415; pursues to Modun, 416; under command 11th African Division, 417; in capture of Awash, 419; pursue south-west, 421
23rd Nigerian: in Kenya, 181; in capture of Kismayu, 412-3; at Mabungo, 416; reaches Mogadishu, 416; in advance to Harar, 417-9
24th Gold Coast: in Kenya, 181; and capture of Kismayu, 412-3; crosses Juba, 415; ordered to Bardera, 416; activities of, 422
25th East African: at Lokitaung, 409; at Namaraputh, 411; under command 12th African Division, 422
29th Indian: guards Sudan frontier, 397; for attack on Kassala, 399; in action at Barentu, 401; in the battle of Keren, 434-5, 438; in battle of Amba Alagi, 443, 445
Brigade d'Orient: 436, 442
Briggs, Brigadier H. R.: 436
Brink, Major-General G. L.: 407; and capture of Moyale, 409; and advance to Harar, 416; brigades under command of, 422
British Ambassador in Cairo: see Lampson
British Ambassador in Rome: told of Italy's neutrality, 42, 81; reports on Italian situation, 48, 88; given declaration of war, 109
British Expeditionary Force: 190
British Government: see Cabinet, War Cabinet, and Defence Committee
British Minister in Athens: 230
British Minister at Belgrade: 382
British Somaliland: command in, 63, 98, 172; reinforcements for, 83, 98, 172; threat to, 89, 127; forces in, 94, 172-3; Italians plan operation against, 168; defence of, 171-3; loss of, 174-9; re-capture of, 417-8
Buchanan, Brigadier F. L. A.: 409
Bulgaria: German entry into, 239, 334, 338, 345, 346, 348; promises Germany her support, 347; openly allies with Axis, 382
Burye: Italians leave, 424
Cabinet: and Three Power Enemy warning, 5, 24; decides Italy no longer reliable friend, 8, 30; and reinforcement of Middle East, 12; suggests staff talks with French, 20; and Malta, 30; and defence of Suez Canal, 37; now see War Cabinet
Cagliari: air attacks on, 160, 202, 242
Calabria: action off, 150-4, 163
Calcutta, H.M.S.: for Mediterranean Fleet, 156n, 201; convoy operations of, 300, 317
Caledon, H.M.S.: 148; bombards Bardia, 150; in landing at Berbera, 417
Calypso, H.M.S.: sunk, 109
Camel Corps, Sudan Defence Force: 168n
Cameron Highlanders, 2nd Bn Queen's Own: 267-8, 433n
Cameroons: declare for de Gaulle, 142
Campbell, Lieut. A.G.S.: 444, 446
Campioni, Admiral Angelo: in action off Calabria, 153-4; in action off Cape Spartivento, 302-5; replaced, 331
Cape Spada: action off, 156-9
Cape Spartivento: action off, 301-7
Capetown, H.M.S.: 47, 148; bombards Bardia, 150; in Force T, 412n; torpedoed, 441
Carlisle, H.M.S.: 178
Carnimeo, General: 433
Casardi, Rear-Admiral: 156-8
Cassels, General Sir Robert: 187
Castel Benito: air attacks on, 266
Castelorizo: attack on, 159; landing on, 326
Casualties: in action against French Fleet, 136; in loss of Kassala, 170; in loss of British Somaliland, 178-9; in Libya, 206; in Ajax's action, 222; in desert patrols, 264; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 268, 270, 273; in capture of Bardia, 287; in capture of Tobruk, 293; in Illustrious, 319; in Southampton, 320; in landing on Castelorizo, 326; in Western Desert campaign, 362; in British attack on Gallabat, 399; in capture of Bulo Erillo, 413; in campaign from Kenya to Addis Ababa, 422; in East Africa Force, June '40 to May '41, 423; in Italian evacuation of Burye, 424; in battle of Keren, 435, 439; in action at Combolcha, 444
Catania: air attacks on, 150, 321
Caunter, Brigadier J. A. L.: 267
Cavagnari, Admiral: 145, 337
Cavallero, General: 337, 363
Cavour: damaged, 236-7; (class) in action off Calabria, 153
Ceres, H.M.S.: 178, 412n
Chad Province: declares for de Gaulle, 142, 196; and the Long Range Desert Group, 296-7
Chad Regiment, 3rd Bn: 436
Chakmak, Marshal: 90
Chamberlain, Rt. Hon. Neville: see Prime Minister
Chater,Lieut.-Colonel (later Brigadier) A. R.: 172-3, 418
Chatfield Committee: 38
Cheesman, Major R. E.: 182
Chief of Naval Staff: on French Fleet, 130, 135; on operation 'HATS', 191
Chief of the Air Staff: 251
Chief of the Imperial General Staff: and reinforcements for Middle East, 190; asks for date of capture of Benghazi, 356; on mission in the Middle East, 372, 374-5, 377, 379-80, 382-6, 388; dislikes postponement of Kismayu operation, 393; allows retention of brigades in Kenya, 394
--486--
Chiefs of Staff (British): give Three Power Enemy warning, 5, 11, 20; emphasize need for peaceful Mediterranean, 7, 11, 39, 45; advise on Palestine Conference, 16; responsibilities of, 33n; and High command in Middle East, 33; and Middle East Intelligence Centre, 34; and air defence of Alexandria, 36; and defence of Suez Canal, 37; and warning telegram, 41; consider operation of R.A.F. units in Turkey, 61, 255, 346; review military policy in Middle East, 61, 99, 129; asked for guidance, 85; and Salonika project, 86; little to spare for Middle East, 87, 99; and support for Turkey, 90, 239, 372; approve Admiral Cunningham's initial objects, 99; consider withdrawal of Mediterranean Fleet, 124; and defence of Malta, 161, 217, 219, 324, 344; and British Somaliland, 171; and reinforcements for Middle East, 187, 191-2, 217, 245, 252, 313, 345; given Wavell's review, 187-90, 205; their relations to Defence Committee, 191n; and Prime Minister's Directive, 197; on visit of Turkish officers to Egypt, 215; emphasize need for attacking Benghazi, 217; and Greece, 224, 231, 255, 338-9, 342, 377, 380-1, 386; and Crete, 232; and 'WORKSHOP', 308-9, 324-5; on operations against the Dodecanese, 325, 343, 345-6; on the capture of Benghazi, 343, 346, 351; instruct creation of strategic reserve, 344; convinced about German move into Bulgaria, 345-6; announce 'no serious operation beyond Benghazi', 365; desire victory in East Africa, 394-5
Chiefs of Staff (Italian): told of Italian war policy, 89; discuss naval policy, 145
China Station: 82
Churchill, Rt. Hon. Winston S.: see Prime Minister
Ciano, Count: and neutrality of Italy, 42, 81; on shortage of metals, 88n; gives declaration of war, 109; on Graziani's advance, 209n; in Berlin, 225, 240; and invasion of Greece, 226, 228n
Clan Cumming, s.s.: 316
Clan Forbes, s.s.: 299
Clan Fraser, s.s.: 299
Clan Macaulay, s.s.: 317, 322-3
Clan Macdonald, m.v.: 316
Clayton, P.A.: 294-5
'COAT'; 230n, 241-3
Coldstream Guards, 3rd Bn: 209-10, 296
'COLLAR'; 299 et seq. 310
Collins, Captain J. A., R.A.N.: 156
Collis, Flight Lieutenant R. A.: 404
Collishaw, Air Commodore R.: see also 202 Group; commands in Western Desert, 97; his first operations, 112, 113; sole Hurricane for, 113-4; his need for economy, 206; in battle of Sidi Barrani 'COMPASS', 262, 272; strikes at Italian Air Force, 353; activities during Italian withdrawal, 357
Colonial Office: 31, 34, 172
Combe, Lieut.-Colonel J. F. B.: 358-60
Combined Operations School: 308
Combolcha: action at, 443-4
Commandant Teste: 137
Commander-in-Chief, East Indies: responsibilities of, 32-3, 248; in system of Command, 33, 94; on defence of British Somaliland, 172
Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean: see also Pound, Cunningham and, for joint action, Commanders-in-Chief; 3, 11; in system of command, 32, 33
Commander-in-Chief, Middle East: see Wavell and, for joint action, Commanders-in-Chief
Commanders-in-Chief: as triumvirate, 33-4, 94; meet in Warspite, 34-5; and warning telegram, 41, 43; and non-provocation of Italy, 45; meet Weygand, 50-1, 88; have no control over material to Turkey, 52; feel need for guidance, 52, 85; and discussions with Turkey, 53, 85, 89-90, 256; told no important moves necessary, 82; receive Directive on military policy, 85, 99; receive bombardment instructions, 86; and air support for Turkey, 87; told to rely upon own resources, 87, 99; concerned over Egyptian situation, 89; on outbreak of Italian war, 109; told policy re Free French Forces, 128; and operation 'HATS', 192; relations with Prime Minister, 200; and air defence, 213-4; and visit of Turkish officers, 215; aware of importance of Benghazi, 218; and occupation of Crete, 228, 229, 232; and Greece, 231, 233, 338-9, 342, 372, 374-5, 377, 386-8; and battle of Sidi Barrani, 261; on entry of Egypt into war, 277; and capture of Bardia, 277; and capture of Tobruk, 281, 287; and 'WORKSHOP', 308; on need for more air reconnaissance, 313; and operations against Dodecanese, 324-5, 344, 346; have insufficient resources, 328, 344-5, 372-3; and capture of Benghazi, 344, 346, 351; and formation of strategic reserve, 344; Balkan situation of first importance to, 346, 395; unable to go faster in East Africa, 395
Commando, 51st (Middle East): 437, 443
Commando (Special Service) troops: landing prevented, 271; despatch of to Middle East, 325, 343-4; land on Castelorizo, 326
Committee of Imperial Defence: 30, 33, 119
'COMPASS': 230, 239, 253, 259-75
Conferences: on Palestine, 14, 16-7; between Chamberlain and Hitler, 17; (with French) scope of, 20-1, in London, 23, in North Africa, 23-4, 25-6, 294, at Aden, 23-4, 25, 26, 171, 182, in Palestine, 23-4, 25, 26-7, at Malta, 28-9; (with Turks) at Aleppo, 53, 85, at Beirut, 89-90, 122, at Ankara, 256, 345-6, 381-2; (with Greeks) at Athens, 340-2, 382-5, at Tatoi, 377-80; at Khartoum, 392, 398; at Cairo, 393-4
Console Generale Luizzi: 148
Constantinople Convention: 2, 3n, 12, 37, 46
Contraband control in Mediterranean: 44-8, 99
--487--
Convoys: scheme for, 11; diversion of Dominion, 84; in Red Sea, 112, 248-9; general cycle of, 244-5; during Albanian war, 335
Cork and Orrery, Earl of, Admiral of the Fleet: 307
Cornwall, s.s.: 202
Corps:
1st Australian: 365
13th: birth of, 104, 289; under Wavell, 289; casualties in, 293; information of, 352; relieved by 1st Australian, 365
Coventry, H.M.S.: for Mediterranean Fleet, 156n, 201; in convoy operations, 300-2, 306
C.R.42, Italian fighter: compared with Gladiator, 96; compared with Hurricane, 272
Creagh, Major-General M. O'Moore: 259, 358-9
Crete: see also Suda Bay; defence of, 85, 190, 224; Hitler offers airborne troops for, 226; British occupation of, 228-9; Greek troops withdrawn from, 232; reinforcements and supplies for, 241-2
Critchley, Captain, R. A.: 403
Cruiser Squadron, 1st: 47
Cruiser Squadron, 3rd: bombards Bardia, 150; mentioned, 162n; and operation 'HATS', 202-3; goes to support of Ajax, 221; covers 'COLLAR' convoy, 306
Cruiser Squadron, 7th: 148, 149; in action off Calabria, 150; and 'COLLAR' convoy, 300; and bombardment of Valona, 310
Cub Cub: engagement at, 436
Cunningham, Admiral Sir Andrew B.: see also Commanders-in-Chief; Admiral Ollive visits, 28; career of, 28n; and location of headquarters, 33; and air defence of Alexandria, 35-6, 213-4; parts with 3rd Destroyer Flotilla, 43; and contraband control, 45; transfers flag to Malta, 47, 77; visits Turkey, 50; and Salonika project, 51, 87; feels need of guidance, 52; confident that Canal and Red Sea will be open, 75; and Malta floating dock, 76; anxious about base facilities, 77, 80; anxious about air defence of Haifa, 79; flies flag in Warspite, 84, 91; and French squadron, 84, 124, 131, 138-41, 215-6; to provide ships for Crete force, 85-6, 99; and destroyer shortage, 91, 109, 155, 204, 216, 313; and defence of Malta, 98, 99, 120, 147, 156, 161, 217-8; objects of, 98-9, 145, 146, 314; on lack of air reconnaissance, 99, 147, 156, 204, 307; first fleet operation of, 109-10; and submarine operations, 110, 217; and attack of merchant ships, 111, 147; abandons Malta as submarine base, 119; and Force H, 126, 143, 154; and action against French Fleet, 131, 139, 143; shipping policy of, 147; and convoy operations, 149, 191-2, 201-3, 219-22, 241-3, 300, 306-7, 309, 311, 317-8, 320; on co-operation of Air Force, 150; in action off Calabria, 150-4; on role and composition of Fleet, 155-6, 299, 321, 344; on rescue of survivors, 158; and operation 'HURRY', 159; in bombardment of Bardia, 286; and danger to Fleet from air attack, 163, 191, 212; on proposal far regional War Council, 185; and Crete, 190; and Prime Minister's directive, 198; responsible for Malta, 218; and composition of convoys to Malta, 219; and H.M.S. Ajax, 221-2; reactions to Italian invasion of Greece, 228-9; and attack on Taranto, 235-6, 238; on 'WORKSHOP', 308-9; visits Malta, 310; on the escape of the Illustrious, 323; favours bombardment of Genoa, 329; unable to stock Benghazi, 365; on danger from mines, 373, 387; and aid to Greece, 377-8, 385, 387
Cunningham, Lieut.-General A. G.: told of Western Desert offensive, 265, 393; in East African campaign, 391; and capture of Kismayu, 392-5, 408, 411-3; future operations of, 393-4; and crossing of the Juba, 413; and advance to Mogadishu, 395, 411-2, 415; and advance to Harar, 395-6, 415-6, 419; and entry into Addis Ababa, 396, 420-2; told to secure Addis Ababa-Asmara road, 396, 443; liaison with Emperor, 406; opens up Galla-Sidamo, 409, 411; controls Patriot operations, 426; and safety of Italian civilians, 444; and battle of Amba Alagi, 446
Cyprus: as Fleet base, 9; Allied policy towards, 27; command in, 32, 63n; defence of, 190; air defence of, 214
Cyprus Regiment: 280
Cyrenaica Command: 364-5
Cyrenaica: garrison for, 375; see also Libya
Dakar: landing at, 215-6
D'Albiac, Air Commodore (later Air Vice-Marshal) J. H.: commands air contingent in Greece, 233; Directive to, 463-5; policy of, 234, 334, 336
Daniel, Brigadier H.: 408
Danube: operations in, 53; barges escape from, 162; German crossing of, 348, 382
Darlan, Admiral: orders North Africa to fight on, 123; and fate of French Fleet, 130, 138; mentioned, 136; text of signal of 24th June, 462
Debra Markos: investment of, 424-5
Decoy, H.M.S.: 109, 326
Defence Committee: description of, 191n; and reinforcements for Middle East, 192; reactions to Italian invasion of Greece, 229-30; and 'WORKSHOP', 309, 325; orders creation of strategic reserve, 328; and aid to Greece, 339; on Middle East policy, 371-2; disagrees with surrender terms at Addis Ababa, 421
Defence Co-ordination Committee in Egypt: 20
de Gaulle, General: rallies Frenchmen, 127-8; Chad Province rallies to, 142; mentioned, 354
--488--
Dekheila: naval armament depot at, 77, 78
Della Mura, Major-General: 293
Denmark: invasion of, 82, 85
Deputy Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief: 254
Derna: air attacks on, 164, 261; Italian forces at, 352; evacuation of, 354
De Simone, Major-General: in capture of British Somaliland, 174; replaces Pesenti, 409; ordered to redispose Colonial Divisions, 416; given orders for defence of Juba, 431; ordered to resist on Awash, 432; remains of his forces, 447
Despatch, H.M.S.: 300, 302
Destroyer Flotilla, 2nd: on anti-submarine sweep, 99, 109; in convoy operations, 148; in action off Cape Spada, 156-8
Destroyer Flotilla, 3rd: 43
Deutsches Afrika Korps: 369
Devonshire, H.M.S.: 47
Diamante: sunk, 110
Dick, Captain R. M.: 377
Dickinson, Major-General D. P.: appointed G.O.C. East Africa Force, 180; task of, 181; plans of, 392; achievements of, 407; helped by South African Government, 423; relieved, 393, 408
Dill, General Sir John: on mission to Middle East, 372, 374-5, 377, 379-10, 382-6, 388
Diredawa: Italian forces at, 93; air attacks on, 114; British enter, 419
Divisions
Armoured: see 7th Armoured Division
Mobile: see 7th Armoured Division
1st African: 181
1st Cavalry: for Palestine, 56, 62; parts with transport, 69; state of, 93; history of, 104
1st South African: 181, 247; to be moved to Egypt, 375; Cunningham may have to part with, 395; in Kenya, 407; to open up Galla-Sidamo, 409; H.Q. sails to Egypt, 422
2nd African: 181
2nd Armoured mentioned, 246; arrival of, 291; for Western Desert, 355, 365; and the battle of Beda Fomm, 357n
2nd New Zealand: for Egypt, 62, brigade group diverted, 84; state of, 93; known to Italians, 207; mentioned, 247; for Greece, 375, 385
4th Indian; second brigade joins, 56; parts with transport, 69; state of, 93, 188; parts with field regiment, 175; given third brigade, 247n; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 259-65, 270, 272, 274, 279; for the Sudan, 265, 271, 393, 399; and attack on Kassala, 399-400; in the battle of Keren, 375, 433-9; Prime Minister praises, 441; for Egypt, 441,449
5th Indian: destination of, 129n, 171, 175, 187, 189, 192, 197, 198, 199; mentioned, 247; arrives in Sudan, 396-7, 429; tasks of, 397; and attack on Kassala, 399-400; in the battle of Keren, 375, 434-5, 437, 439; Prime Minister praises, 441; maintained through Massawa, 442; in battle of Amba Alagi, 443; for Egypt, 449
6th Australian: brigade arrives in Middle East, 84; brigade diverted, 84, 283; for Western Desert Force, 265, 271, 278; maintenance of, 280-1, 288; in capture of Bardia, 283, 287; state of, 283; near Derna, 353, 355; enters Cyrene, 357; progress of, 359
6th (British): 97, 375
7th Armoured: (as Mobile Division) 19, 37; (as Armoured Division) 19n, 37, 41, 54, short of transport, 68-9; (as 7th Armoured Division) 19n; transport of, 69; moves to Western Desert, 83; state of, 93, 105, 186, 188, 200, 355; on eve of war with Italy, 97; controls covering force, 118; mentioned, 205, 247; known to Italians, 207; dispositions of, 211; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 259, 261-2, 267, 272; and capture of Bardia, 271, 278-9; maintenance of, 281, 288-9; in capture of Tobruk, 290; Babini escapes from, 353; to advance to Msus, 355; and the battle of Beda Fomm, 356-7, 360, 362; relieved by 2nd, 365; brigade for Cyrenaican garrison, 375
7th Australian: 247
10th Armoured: 104
11th African: 181; brigades of, 417; maintenance of, 418; remains in I.E.A 450
12th African: 181; in raid on El Wak, 408; in capture of Kismayu, 412; ordered to Bardera and Isha Baidoa, 416; brigades under command of, 422; remains in I.E.A., 450
50th: 374
Dobbie, Lieutenant-General Sir William: as Governor and C.-in-C., Malta, 120; meetings of, 218; and Navy's losses, 323; and Malta as base for attack, 324
Docks: problems of, 249-50
Dodecanese Islands: plans for operations against, 27, 85, 86, 87, 90, 309, 324-5, 345; air threat from, 148, 214, 324, 343, 344-5; air attacks on, 203, 301, 309; bombardment of, 203, 222; operations against, 325-6; operations against postponed, 385, 386
Dominion forces: organization of, 105
Doria: 163
d'Ornano, Lieut.-Colonel: 297
Drummond, Air Commodore (later Air Vice-Marshal) R. M.: 61
Duff Cooper, Rt. Hon. A.: 127
Duilio: modernization of, 163; damaged, 237; at Genoa, 330, 332
Duke of Edinburgh's Own Rifles, 1st Bn: 444
Dunkerque: 91; at Oran, 130; and action at Oran, 132-3, 136-7
Dunkirk: 71, 190
--489--
Durazzo: Italian landings at, 24; capacity of, 234; air attacks on, 234, 334, 336
Eagle, H.M.S.: arrives in Mediterranean, 84; capacity of, 102; in first fleet operation, 109-10; in convoy operations, 148, 202, 300-1, 320; in action off Calabria, 150-3; operations of her aircraft, 154, 159, 301, 441; mentioned, 155, 156n; in diversionary operations, 159, 160; defects in, 235; leaves Mediterranean, 321
East Africa: see also Italian East Africa, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, etc.; policy for, 26, 114; command in, 31-2, 63; administration of troops in, 60; comparison of forces in, 93-4, 96; early air attacks in, 114; policy behind campaign in, 391-6
East Africa Force: composition of, 180; under General Dickinson, 407; casualties in, June '40 to May '41, 423
East African Light Battery, 1st: 172, 176, 407
East Indies Station: 32, 82
Eastern Arab Corps, Sudan Defence Force: 168n, 170
Eastern Group Central Provision Office: 186
Edelsten, Captain J. H.: 412
Eden, Rt. Hon. Anthony: greets Dominion contingents, 57; in Middle East, 230, 232, 392-3, 403; his Mission to Greece, 372, 374-89, 395; makes statement on Ethiopian operations, 406
Egypt: see also Egyptian Government; becomes British Protectorate, 1; during Ethiopian crisis, 4; Protectorate abolished, 5; British treaty with, 6-7, 9, 11, 35, 69, 71; joins League, 7; defence of, 10-11, 26, 85, 87, 90, 198, 199-200; reinforcements for, 11-12; makes treaty with Saudi Arabia, 16; communications with Palestine, 19, 64; command in, 31, 32, 63n; situation in, 35-8, 53-4, 89, 121-2, 189; air defence of, 35-7, 213, 232; breaks off diplomatic relations with Germany, 46, 54; administration of troops in, 60; as a base, 63-5; railways in, 63-4; airfields in, 69; no land threat to, 89; troops in, 93, 188; breaks off diplomatic relations with Italy, 121; Italian advance into, 207 et seq; Turkish officers visit, 215; and entry into war, 277
Egyptian Air Force: in air defence of Egypt, 214
Egyptian Army: state of, 10, 37, 93; tasks of, 37; on eve of war 41, 42
Egyptian Government: and Fleet base, 10, 75; co-operation with, 11, 19; signs Bon Voisinage Agreement, 12; proclaims état de siège, 19, 54
Egyptian Frontier Force: 97
Egyptian State Railways: praised, 54; meet Palestinian, 248n; adaptation to increased traffic, 249; without docks branch, 250
El Adem: air attacks on, 112, 113
Elliott, Rear-Admiral F.: 36
El Wak: raid on, 408
Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie: flees country, 5; arrives in Sudan, 167, 183; and his entry into Ethiopia, 182, 183-4, 391, 402-6, 424, 428; dissatisfied with equipment, 403; bodyguard for, 404, 405; military co-operation with, 406, 426; enters Burye, 424; enters Debra Markos. 425; accompanied to Addis Ababa, 426
Empire Song, s.s.: 316
Enrico Toti: 217
Enterprise, H.M.S.: 156n
Equatorial Corps, Sudan Defence Force: 168n, 397
Equipment: scarcity of, 56, 88, 188-9, 190, 200
Eritrea: see also Frusci; campaign in, 400-2, 432-42; Italian forces in, 430
Eritrean Battalion, 4th: 404
Escort, H.M.S.: sunk, 155
Espero: sunk, 149
Essex, m.v.: bound for Malta, 316, 320; damaged, 322
Essex Regiment, 1st Bn: 169
Ethiopia: see also Emperor, Gazzera, Nasi; Italy invades, 2; Italy annexes, 5; incident closed, 13; fostering rebellion in, 26, 55, 182-4, 189, 391, 402-6, 409; Italian troops in, 93, 166, 430; internal order in, 165, 166, 167; air forces in, 166; administrative situation in, 167; campaign in, 416-22, 424-8, 442-7
Ethiopian Battalion, 2nd: at Khartoum, 404; casualties in, 424; near Addis Derra, 426
Euro: damaged, 150
'EXCESS': 307, 309, 311, 316-21, 335
'Faith', 'Hope' and 'Charity': 98, 119, 120, 121
Far East: fleet for, 28, 30, 39, 126
Farouk, King of Egypt: 6, 35, 121
'Felix': 240, 258
Fezzan: raid into, 296-7
Field Maintenance Centre: 289
Field Supply Depots: in Western Desert offensive, 262-3, 278-80, 288-9, 355
Fighter Command, R.A.F.: 194
Fiona, H.M.S.: 280
First Sea Lord: see Chief of Naval Staff
Flag Officer, North Atlantic: 91
Fleet Air Arm: see also Ark Royal, Eagle, Formidable, Illustrious: patrols of on eve of war, 42; shore provisions for, 62, 78; organization of, 102; in bombardment of Bardia, 163; attacks Bomba, 164; lays mines at Benghazi, 211; and air defence of Alexandria, 214, 262; action of at Taranto, 235-8; in reinforcement of Malta, 243; general activities of, 312; uses Maleme airfield, 335
Squadrons:
No. 767: attacks Genoa, 110; goes to Malta, 120
800: 126
803: 126
806: 201; protects Fleet, 220
808: protects Force H, 311
810: 126; attacks Cagliari, 242; attacks Tirso Dam, 329
813: attacks Tobruk, 150; in action off Calabria, 150; in
--490--
attack on Taranto, 236-7; in Western Desert, 312; sinks Italian destroyers, 441
814: 412n
815: 201; in attack on Taranto, 236-7; attacks shipping, 310
818: 126; attacks Cagliari, 242
819: 201; attacks shipping, 310
820: 126; attacks Cagliari, 242
824: in action off Calabria, 150, 153; in attack on Taranto, 236-7; sinks Italian destroyers, 441
826: attacks Massawa, 436-7
829: attacks Massawa, 437
830: attacks Augusta, 161; reconnaissances of, 222; attacks Tripoli, 310; attacks shipping, 312, 324; mentioned, 312
Fletcher, Lieut.-Colonel B.C.: 439, 443, 445
Fliegerkorps VIII: 348
Fliegerkorps X: in Sicily, 315, 321; tasks of, 367; responsible to Göring, 369
Flotte de Haute Mer: 28
Foch, Marshal: 51n
Foley, Captain T. M.: 426
Force H: see also Somerville; assembles at Gibraltar, 126; and action at Oran, 131-3, 136; tasks of, 143, 155-6; diver- sionary operations of, 150, 154-5; losses of, 155, 310; composition of, 156n, 160-1; ordered to U.K., 160; borrows ships from Mediterranean Fleet, 162, 309; in convoy operations, 191, 201-2, 241-2, 300, 310-1, 316-7; and reinforcements for Malta, 243-4; in Atlantic, 311; destroyer shortage in, 313; in bombardment of Genoa, 329-31
Force Maritime du Sud: 28n
Force T: 412-3, 416
Force W: 212n
Force X: see French squadron at Alexandria
Ford, Sir Wilbraham T. R., Vice-Admiral, Malta: 102; and reinforcements, 120; sails convoys, 154; responsible to C.-in-C., Mediterranean, 218; and the damaged Illustrious, 322-3
Foreign Legion, 14th Bn: 436
Foreign Office: 34, 172
Formidable, H.M.S.: for Mediterranean Fleet, 321, 327, 385; aircraft attack Massawa, 436-7
Fort Capuzzo: capture of, 113, 118; loss of, 119, 187
Fortress, bomber aircraft: 70n
Fowkes, Brigadier C. C.: 413, 422
Foxhound, H. M. S.: 132-3, 135
France: collapse of, 122, 125 et seq., 185; common citizenship offered to, 124
Francesco Nullo: 248
Franco, General: recognized by Germany and Italy, 7; meets Hitler, 226; and entry into war, 240, 347
French Admiralty: order Godfroy to leave Alexandria, 124, 139; and action at Oran, 135; transmit armistice clause, 137; suspend reprisals against Gibraltar, 216
French Air Force in North Africa: in Syria see Syria; replacement of, 56, 95; strength of, 95, 141; attacks Venice, 110
French Army in Tunisia: for forces in Syria see Syria; composition of, 92-3
French Fleet: see also French Mediterranean Fleet; armistice terms relating to, 125, 130; anxiety for after French collapse, 130-1; action against, 131 et seq
French Government: staff talks suggested to, 20; break off diplomatic relations with Britain, 143
French Mediterranean Fleet: see also French squadron; strength of, 91; operations of, 110; fate will affect Turkey, 129
French Minister in Cairo: 141, 189
French Motor Marine Company: 210
French Somaliland: as base for offensive, 26, 55, 127; threat to, 89, 171; reactions to French Armistice in, 123-4, 128, 142; in terms of armistice, 125; affects operations of Aosta, 167-8
French squadron at Alexandria: description of, 84, 91; steams to Alexandria, 109; at time of French collapse,124, 130, 131, 138-41; restless about Dakar landing, 215-6
French West Africa: reactions to collapse of France, 142
Freyberg, Major-General B. C.: 296
Frontier Battalion, Sudan Defence Force: 168n; formation of, 183; to secure Belaya, 405; in Gideon Force, 406, 424, 426; praise of, 427
Frontier Force Regiment, 12th, 3rd Bn: 438, 446
Frontier Force Rifles, 13th, 6th Bn: 438, 445
Frontier Guards, Italian: 92, 117, 118
Frusci, General: and activity round Kassala, 399; reinforcements for, 429, 432; ordered to organize areas of resistance, 429; forces of, 430; responsible only for Eritrea, 431; and battle of Keren, 439-40; at Amba Alagi, 443, 445
Furious, H.M.S.: 232, 253, 324, 344
Gabbary graving dock: 75
Galatea, H.M.S.: 47
Galileo Galilei: 111-2, 114
Gallabat: Italian attack on and capture of, 168, 170, 171, 391; British attack on, 392, 393, 398-9, 429; Italian forces at, 397, 430; Aosta orders evacuation from, 430-1; Italians withdraw from, 401
Gallant, H.M.S.: damaged, 318
Galla-Sidamo: see under Ethiopia
Gambia Company, Royal West African Frontier Force: 180
Gamelin, General: 89
Gariboldi, General: and British Western Desert offensive, 281, 354; replaces Graziani, 368; Rommel submits suggestions to, 369
--491--
Gazelle Force: formation of, 397; patrols of, 399; for attack on Kassala, 399; in pursuit from Kassala, 400; in pursuit from Agordat, 401, 432
Gazzera, General: 416, 442
Gedaref: Italian offensive towards, 89; air attacks on, 170
Geneifa: aircraft depot at, 71
General Headquarters, Middle East: promptitude in development of base, 65; take over administrative control of British Somaliland, 172
General Officer Commanding, British Troops in Egypt: 3, 11, 12; now see Wilson
General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Middle East: post created, 32, 33; now see Wavell
General Officer Commanding in Palestine and Transjordan: 14n, 55
Genoa: bombardments of, 110, 328-32
Gensoul, Admiral: at Oran, 130; gives assurance to Admiral North, 131; and action at Oran, 132-3, 135-7, 138
George, King of the Hellenes: 377, 384
Germain, General: 142, 168
German Air Force: see Luftwaffe
German Ambassador in Rome: 65
German Army:
Armies:
12th: 348
Divisions:
3rd Panzer: 257
5th Light Motorized: 367
15th Panzer: 369
German Fleet: losses of, 84
German Military Attaché in Rome: see Rintelen
Germany: see also Hitler; leaves League of Nations, 2; marches into Rhineland, 5; recognizes Franco, 7; as potential enemy, 8, 12, 18, 20, 38, 41, 43; invades Austria, 17; and Pact of Steel, 25, 38; and Soviet-German Non-Aggression Pact, 38, 48, 50; and invasion of Poland, 39, 42, 48; policy for war against, 23, 44; outbreak of war with, 43, 60; economic pressure applied against, 44-7; exports seized, 47; possible intentions of, 48-9, 61, 238-9, 338; invades Norway and Denmark, 82, 85; invades Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg, 88; and French armistice, 122, 125; Rumania allies with, 129; diplomatic activities of, 347-8
Gibraltar: as Fleet base, 9, 10; Governor of, 32, 124; reinforcement of, 83; defences to be manned, 83; naval forces at, 91, 126; bombed by French, 142-3, 215; plan for capture of see 'Felix'
Gideon Force: birth and tasks of, 406; campaign of, 424-8; has no artillery, 449
Giffard, Major-General G. J., Inspector-General of African Colonial Forces: 179-80
Giulio Cesare: 153, 302, 329
Gladiator, fighter aircraft: compared with C.R. 42, 96, 398; slowness of, 113; few reserves for, 272
Glasgow, H.M.S.: 241, 312, 417
Glen ships: 307, 324-6, 344-5
Gloria Stella: 211
Glorious, H.M.S.: 47, 98
Gloucester, H.M.S.: arrives in Mediterranean, 84; in engagements with enemy, 149: in action off Calabria, 150-3; mention 156n; in convoy operations, 202, 220, 309, 316-8, 320; damaged, 320
Gnat, H.M.S.: 290
Godfroy, Vice-Admiral R. E.: commands French squadron, 91; reactions to French armistice, 124; mentioned, 130; as friend of Cunningham, 131; and use of his ships, 138-41; and Dakar landing, 215-6
Godwin-Austen, Major-General A.R.: and loss of British Somaliland, 175-8; and raid on El Wak, 408; and advance Harar, 416; makes threat from Yavello, 422
Goebbels, Dr: 142
Gojjam: see under Ethiopia
Gold Coast Regiment: 179; (2nd Bn) 413
Gondar: Italian forces at, 430
Gondar: 220
Göring, Marshal: 369
Gorizia: 237
Gort, General Lord: 127
Gott, Brigadier W. H. E.: 205
Grampus, H.M.S.: 110, 164n
Graziani, Marshal: discusses Italian naval policy, 145; succeeded in Ethiopia, 165n; commands in Libya, 207; and his advance into Egypt, 207-8; and administrative development, 211, 258; and British Western Desert offensive, 273-4, 281-2, 287-8, 353-4, 357, 363, 368; his instructions commented on, 363; reinforcements for, 367; resignation of, 368
Great Britain: compulsory military training in, 38
Great Pass Channel at Alexandria: 10, 35, 75, 80
Grebe, H.M.S., R.N. shore establishment: 78
Greece: for President of the Council, see Metaxas, Koryzis; for British air contingent in see Royal Air Force; guarantee to, 25, 31, 52, 223, 229; possible operations of squadrons from, 62, 71; command of forces sent to, 63, 378, 470; reactions to Oran, 142; aid for, 223-4, 231-2, 338-43, 347, 371, 374-81, 382-9; Italian plans for invasion of, 225-6, 233, 234; Italian invasion of, 226, 228; plan for defence of, 227-8; airfields in, 231, 255-6, 340; Mission in, 233; campaign in, 233-4, now see Albania; effect of attack on Taranto on, 238; supplies for, 241, 316-20, 335; German threat to, 334, 375, 377-80, 382, 383, 385-6; talks with, 340-2, 377-80, 382-5; text of agreement signed at talks, 470; German plans for invasion of, 348
Greek Air Force: state of, 227, 234, 336: Longmore's responsibility for, 255; reforming of, 342
--492--
Greek Army: mobilization of, 226-7, 234; dispositions and state of, 227
Griffin, H.M.S.: 318
Guzzoni, General : reports on Libyan situation, 367, 368; told of German assistance, 367; receives Rommel, 369
Hague Convention of 1907: 47
Haifa: as naval base, 9-10, 27, 79; refinery at, 27, 75, 79; air defence of, 79-80, 213, 214; defences to be manned, 83; air attacks on, 164, 214
Haile Selassie: see Emperor of Ethiopia
Hailu, Ras: 405, 425, 426
Hale, Lieutenant-Commander J. W.: 237
Harar: Italian forces at, 93, 418, 430; advance to, 395-6, 416-9
Hassan Sabry Pasha: 121
Hasty, H.M.S.: 156
'HATS': 156n, 161, 162, 191-2, 201-4
Havock, H.M.S.: 156-8
Hawkins, H.M.S.: 412n
Heath, Major-General L. M.: commands 5th Indian Division, 396; in battle of Keren, 437-8; in capture of Massawa, 441; promotion of, 443
Helle: torpedoed, 223
Hereward, H.M.S.: 318, 326
Hermes, H.M.S.: 137; 412n
Hermione: sunk, 160
Hero, H.M.S.: 156
Heywood, Major-General T. G. G.: 340
Hickling, Captain H.: 290
Highland Light Infantry, 2nd Bn: 438
Hipper: 311
Hitler, Adolf: becomes German Chancellor, 2; annexes Austria, 12; rejects Roosevelt's appeal, 38; and Italy's entry into the war, 39; told of numbers in East Africa, 93n; on French Fleet, 130n; and Italian advance into Egypt, 208n; does not want war in Balkans, 225; and Italian invasion of Greece, 226, 240, 337; meets Franco, 226; meets Pétain, 226; meets Mussolini, 81, 130n, 226, 257, 367; and German invasion of Greece, 239-40, 255, 348; plans of, 240, 347; attempts to bring Spain into war, 240; and attack on Russia, 240; and aid to Italy, 257, 315 337, 366-9
Hoare, Sir Samuel: 2n
Hobart, H.M.A.S.: 175, 177, 178
Holland: bombing of, 86; invasion of, 88
Holland, Captain C. S.: 131-3, 135-6
Holland, Vice-Admiral L. E.: 299-300, 304-5
Hood, H.M.S.: in Force H, 126; and action at Oran, 132n, 136; in diversionary operations, 155; in operation 'HURRY', 160
Hostile, H.M.S.: sunk, 162
Hurricane, fighter aircraft: small number of, 113-4; no spares for, 115; compared with C.R.42, 272
'HURRY': 159-60, 194, 243
Hussars, 3rd King's Own: 190n, 360
Hussars, 7th Queen's Own: 118-9, 269, 360
Hussars, 8th King's Royal Irish: 291
Hussars, 11th (Prince Albert's Own): at Sidi Barrani, 42; in first patrols, 118-9; reconnaissances of, 205, 211, 259; and Italian advance into Egypt, 210; and battle of Sidi Barrani, 269; and pursuit to Bardia, 271; near Chaulan, 356; in battle of Beda Fomm, 357-8
Hutchison, Brigadier (later Major-General) B. O.: 60, 61
Hyperion, H.M.S.: 156-8, 310
Iachino Admiral: 331
Ibn Saud, King of Saudi Arabia: 16, 88
Ilex: H.M.S.: 156-8
Illalos: 173
Illustrious, H.M.S.: value to Mediterranean Fleet, 155-6, 312; for Mediterranean Fleet, 190-1, 201; operations of her aircraft, 211, 301, 309-10; in convoy operations, 219-20, 222, 242, 300, 309, 317-8; after Italian invasion of Greece, 229; in attack on Taranto, 235-6, 238; in bombardment of Bardia, 286; air attacks on, 319-22; reaches Alexandria, 323; to leave Mediterranean, 327, 437n
India: for Viceroy see Linlithgow; sends forces to the Middle East, 38, 83, 105; air defence of, 49; accumulation of reserves in, 62; warned of request for squadrons, 82
Indian Army: organization of, 105
Indian Government: and defence of oilfields, 15, 62, 129
Inönü, President of the Turkish Republic: Mr. Churchill's appeal to, 346-7, 466-7; talks with, 381
Inshore Squadron: 212n ; formation of, 290; clears Tobruk harbour, 293, 355
Inspector-General, African Colonial Forces: responsibilities of, 31-2; now see Giffard and Dickinson
Intelligence: (British) difficulties of, 188; on Italian forces in North Africa, 206, 258, 265; (Italian) on British forces, 206-7
Iraq: creation of state, 1; terms of Anglo-Iraqi Treaty, 14-15; strategic importance of, 15, 49; makes treaty with Saudi Arabia, 16; independent air command in, 31, 94; land command in, 63, 66; airfields in, 69; unrest in, 88, 122, 187
Iraqi Government: attitude of, 26, 122
Iride: sunk, 164
Isha Baidoa: advance on, 412, 416
Italian Air Force: proximity to Malta, 29; state of, 39, 88; maintenance organization of, 96, 97; compared with R.A.F., 96-7; first operations of, 113-4; uses torpedo-bomber, 212, 312;
(in Libya) strength of, 41, 95, 266; reinforcement of, 96; serviceability in, 96; British information about, 188, 199, 266; in advance into Egypt, 208-9, 211; during British Western Desert offensive, 266, 272, 286, 287-8, 352, 357, 362-3, 368
(in Dodecanese) strength of, 95; reinforcement of, 96
--493--
(in East Africa) strength of, 96, 397, 413; reinforcement of, 96, 97, 431-2, 447; maintenance of, 96, 398, 431, 448; in British attack on Gallabat, 398-9; inferiority of, 408; inactivity of, 411, 436, 448; attacks British airfields, 420; losses of, 421, 444, 447; review of activities in campaign from Kenya to Addis Ababa, 422-3
(in Albania) estimated strength of, 234; supremacy of, 336
Italian Army: state of, 38-9, 88; (in Libya or Egypt) composition and state of, 92, 365; dispositions of, 117-8, 265-6; British information about, 118, 188, 206, 258; in advance into Egypt, 208; during British Western Desert offensive, 270, 282, 288, 352; (in East Africa) strength and dispositions of, 93, 397, 411, 416, 430, 442; at Keren, 433; at Amba Alagi, 445; after the campaign, 447
Armies:
5th: 92, 117
10th: composition of, 92; dispositions of, 117; in advance into Egypt, 208, 209; and British Western Desert offensive, 273-4, 281, 287, 352, 354, 361, 368
Corps:
20th: 352
21st: 117, 118
22nd: 117, 288
23rd: 361
Divisions:
Africa, the: 166, 430, 444
Ariete, Armoured: 275, 288, 367, 369
Centauro, Armoured: 227, 233, 275
Savoia, the: 166, 430, 433, 448
Trento, Motorized: 288, 367
1st Blackshirt: 208, 210, 282
1st Colonial: 433
1st Libyan: 117, 210, 265, 269-70
2nd Blackshirt: 282
2nd Colonial: 401
2nd Libyan: 210, 265, 270
3rd Alpini: 233
4th Blackshirt: 208, 265, 270
4th Colonial: 400-1
17th Pavia: 352
27th Brescia: 352
60th Sabratha: 288, 352
61st Sirte: 288, 293
62nd Marmarica: 117, 208, 210, 265, 282
63rd Cirene: 208, 210, 265, 270, 282
64th Catanzaro: 208, 266, 282
101st Colonial: 411, 416
102nd Colonial: 411, 416
Brigades:
12th Colonial: 401
13th Colonial: 420
14th Colonial: 420
41st Colonial: 400, 431
43rd Colonial: 401
70th Colonial: 417
Italian East Africa: see also Eritrea, Ethiopia, Italian Somaliland, and Sea Communications; Italian military policy in, 89,165-6, 168, 448; situation in, 165, 429-32; policy behind campaign in, 391-6; review of campaign in from Kenya to Addis Ababa, 422-3; general review of campaign in, 447
Italian Government: agree on conduct of submarines during neutrality, 44
Italian High Command: birth of, 145
Italian Minister in Athens: 228
Italian Navy: see also Submarines; state of, 39, 88, 163; compared with Allies', 90-1; policy governing, 145-6, 311; co-operation with air force, 146, 154, 332; in action off Calabria, 151-4; in action off Cape Spada, 156-8; avoids action, 220, 243; in action off Cape Spartivento, 302-6
Italian Somaliland: see also De Simone; forces in, 93; advance into, 411-6; administrative problems of advance, 411-2
Italy: see also Mussolini; effect of First World War on, 1; invades Ethiopia, 2; annexes Ethiopia, 5; need for friendship with, 5, 7, 11, 39; recognizes Franco, 7; signs Anglo-Italian Joint Declaration, 7-8; ceases to be reliable friend, 8, 9, 30; non-provocation of, 8, 41, 45, 54, 81-3, 99, 188; joins Anti-Comintern Pact, 11, 20; leaves League, 11; and Anglo-Italian and Bon Voisinage Agreements, 12, 16, 24, 181, 182; as potential enemy, 20, 41, 43, 61, 67; policy for war against, 23, 25-7, 44, 55-6, 85-7; invades Albania, 24; and Pact of Steel, 25, 38, 39; ability to wage war, 38-40, 88; non-belligerency of, 40, 42-3; negotiations for trade agreement with, 45, 47-8; consulted on Balkan diplomacy, 53; relations with deteriorate, 82, 99; bombing of industrial areas in, 82, 86, 230; estimated intentions of, 83, 88, 89; military policy of, 89, 207; declares war, 109; and French armistice, 122, 123, 125; for the invasion of Greece, see Greece; German aid for, 257, 337, 366-9; central direction of war in, 363
Jacomoni, Francesco, Governor of Albania: 225
Jaguar, H.M.S.: 317, 321
Japan: invades Manchuria, 2; as potential enemy, 5, 20, 32, 371, 395
Jean Bart: 130, 137
Jelib: fall of, 415
Jerram, Lieut.-Colonel R. M.: 267
Jibuti: Italian offensive towards, 89, 166; in terms of armistice, 125
Jodl, General: 367
Johnson, Bimbashi T. C.: 426
Joint Intelligence Centre, Middle East: 34, 458-9
Joint Planning Staff, Middle East: 34, 458, 459
Juba, river: Italian forces near, 411, 430; crossing of, 413-5; Viceroy's orders for defence of, 431
'JUNGLE' plans: 52, 53, 66
--494--
Kandahar, H.M.S.: 412n, 417
Karora: loss of, 170
Kaso: landing on, 324-6
Kassala: Italian offensive towards, 89, 168; air attacks on, 169; loss of, 170, 171, 391; plans for British attack on, 265, 392, 393-4, 399-400; Italian forces near, 397; importance of, 400; Aosta orders evacuation from, 430; Italians withdraw from, 394, 400
Kennedy Shaw, W. B.: 294-5
Kent, H.M.S.: for Mediterranean Fleet, 156n, 162n; in bombardment of Bardia, 162; and operation 'HATS', 202; damaged, 212, 312
Kenya: see also Dickinson, Cunningham; reinforcements for, 62, 83, 180, 181; airfields in, 69; no land threat to, 89; troops in, 94, 179-80, 181, 393, 394, 407; air forces in, 96, 180, 407-8, 450; dispositions in, 97; situation in, 179 et seq; defence of, 180, 197; frontier operations in, 180-1; air defence of, 213; transport in, 181-2, 412, 423; administration in, 407
Kenya Auxiliary Air Force: 96
Keren: battle of, 391, 396, 432-40; reinforcements for, 431-2
Keru: action at, 400, 431
Keyes, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Roger: 308
Kimberley, H.M.S.: 178, 248
King's African Rifles: control of, 31; battalion in British Somaliland, 94, 98; composition of, 180; at Namaraputh, 411
1st Bn: 180
2nd Bn: 172, 176-7, 407
5th Bn: 419
King's Dragoon Guards, 1st: 357n-8
King's Own Malta Regiment, The: 98
King's Royal Rifle Corps, 1st Bn: 118, 210
Kingston, H.M.S.: 417, 441
Kismayu: proposed capture of, 189, 392, 393-5; capture of, 391, 411-3; as a port, 415-6; Aosta decides not to hold, 431
Koryzis, M. Alexander: on composition of British force, 347, 371, 388; talks with, 377-8, 380, 383; text of statement by, 468-9
Kufra: capture of, 297
Kurmuk: air attacks on, 170; loss of, 170, 171, 391; Italian sortie from, 398
Ladybird, H.M.S.: bombardments by, 163, 211, 212, 266, 271, 284; lands water, 280; in Inshore Squadron, 290; damaged, 326
Lampson, Sir Miles: 11, 277
Lancaster, bomber aircraft: 70n
Lanciere: 305-6
Lastucci, General: 118
League of Nations: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 14
Leclerc, Colonel: 297
Legentilhomme, General: commands in British Somaliland, 98; his reactions to French armistice, 123-4, 128, 142, 167, 173, 174
Leghorn: air attacks on, 330-1
Le Luc, Admiral: 136
Lend-Lease Bill: 371
Leone: sinks, 441
Liberator, bomber aircraft: 70n
Libya: interrupting supplies to, see Sea Communications; Italian forces in, see Italian Army; Italian policy in, 89, 207; presence of German troops in, 188, 206
Libyan Desert: description of, 294
Liguria: damaged, 150
Linlithgow, Marquess of, Viceroy of India: 186
List, Field-Marshal: 348
Littorio: comes into service, 163; damaged, 237; (class) coming into commission, 90-1, 163; at Taranto, 235; at Genoa, 328-9
Liverpool, H.M.S.: takes Black Watch to Aden, 78, 128; arrives in Mediterranean, 84; in engagements with enemy, 149; and action off Calabria, 150; mentioned, 156n; in convoy operations, 202, 220; damaged, 222, 312
Lloyd, Brigadier W. L.: 268, 434
Lockheed, aircraft: 63
Lomax, Brigadier C. E. N.: 269-70
Longmore, Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur: see also Commanders-in-Chief; becomes Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, 94-5; Directive to, 460-1; reviews state of forces, 95, 97; places Western Desert under Collishaw, 97; and death of Balbo, 113; switches forces, 114; visits Mittelhauser, 123; and lack of air reconnaissance, 147, 313; on defence of British Somaliland, 172; supports proposal for regional War Council, 185; and Crete, 190; and rearmament and reinforcement, 192-4, 213, 251-5, 346, 376, 387; and Takoradi air route, 197; and Prime Minister's Directive, 198-9; problems of, 205; and Malta, 217, 218, 324, 344-5; aware of need to attack Benghazi, 218; and aid for Greece, 230, 231, 255, 338-40, 342, 376-7, 387; responsible for Greek Air Force, 255; and squadrons for Turkey, 255, 346; and battle of Sidi Barrani, 261, 272, 275; and mining of the Canal, 327; and attack on Kassala, 393; his steadiness of purpose, 396; and the South African Air Force, 408
Long Range Desert Group: 294-7, 354.
Lord Privy Seal: 191n
Lorenzini, General: 439
Lorraine: 84
Loula: sunk, 162
Luftwaffe: see also Fliegerkorps; in Holland, 86; possible intervention of, 114, 251, 252; in Sicily, 288, 315-6; effect of arrival in Middle East, 323-8, 343, 373, 376; first unit of in Middle East, 337; attacks Tobruk and Benghazi, 365
Lugh Ferrandi: advance on, 412
Luxembourg: invasion of, 88
Lysander, army co-operation aircraft: drawbacks of, 193, 264
Lyster, Rear-Admiral A. L. St. G.: 201
--495--
Mackay, Major-General I. G.: and capture of Bardia, 271, 278, 282-4; and capture of Tobruk, 291, 293; and battle of Beda Fomm, 361
Maddalena: capture of fort: 118
Mahratta Light Infantry, 5th, 2nd Bn: 437
3rd Bn: 438
Mai Edega: air attacks on, 436
Malaya, H.M.S.: operates in Indian Ocean, 47; arrives in Mediterranean, 84; wears Commander-in-Chief's flag, 84; Commanders-in-Chief meet in, 88; in first fleet operation, 109; and action off Calabria, 150, 153; mentioned, 156n; defect in, 160; in operation 'HATS', 202; in convoy operations, 221, 300, 309-10, 316-7; to reinforce Force H, 309-10; in bombardment of Genoa, 329-30
Maleme airfield: 335
Maletti, General: in advance into Egypt, 116n, 208, 210; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 265, 268
Malta: for Governor see Dobbie, for A.O.C. see Maynard, for Vice-Admiral see Ford; as Fleet base, 9, 10, 29, 30, 74, 76, 77, 98; policy for, 18, 30; strategic importance of, 29; defence and defences of, 29-31, 98, 119-21, 147, 161-2, 198, 217-8; independent air command at, 31, 94; garrison at, 32, 219; airfields in, 29, 69, 70; air establishments at, 70; floating dock at, 75-6, 119; defences to be manned, 83; reinforcements and supplies for, 98, 120, 159-60, 201-3, 219-22, 229-30, 232, 241-4, 254, 299-301, 316-21, 327; possible capture of, 98; 'Faith', 'Hope' and 'Charity', 98, 119, 120, 121; air attacks on, 119-21, 218, 310, 322; COSUP in, 120, 219; Shipping Committee in Egypt, 120, 219; as a striking base, 161, 162, 198, 217, 218, 323-4; as a refuelling base, 194; Lieutenant-Governor of, 218; supplies in, 219; Admiral Cunningham visits, 310; squadrons at, Dec. '40, 312
Manchester, H.M.S.: 299, 301, 305-6
Mangasha, Dejesmach: 403, 424, 427
Manin: sunk, 441
Mannella, General Pitassi: 288, 293
Manzoni: sunk, 150
Maraventano, Colonel: 425-7
Maria Eugenia: sunk, 211
'Marita': 348-9
Marriott, Brigadier J. C. O.: 435
Massawa: Italian naval force at, 92, 111-2, 248, 448; force destroyed, 441; air attacks on, 114, 170, 437; reinforcements for, 432; capture of, 391, 396, 441-2
Massiet, General: 89
Matruh garrison: 259, 261, 266, 375
Matruh (Mersa): railway extended to, 4; policy for defence of, 42, 68, 187; as advanced base, 67-8; Italian air attacks on, 113
Maund, Air Vice-Marshal A. C.: 61 71
Mauretania, s.s.: 244n
Maynard, Air Commodore F. H. M., Air Officer Commanding in Malta: 94; forms first fighter defence, 98; and reinforcements, 120; responsible to A.O.C.-in-C., Middle East, 218
Mayne, Brigadier (later Major-General) A. G. O. M.: 397, 443, 445-6
McCarthy, Captain E. D. B.: 221
Mechili: forces at and encounters near, 352-3
Mediterranean: piracy in, 9; areas of responsibility in, 18, 28, 126; Allied co-operation in, 27-8, 43, 91-2, 126; German submarines in, 43; contraband control in, 44-8, 99; French to assume responsibility for, 83, 84; effect of French collapse in 125-6, naval situation in, 163-4
Mediterranean Command, R.A.F.: 31, 94, 107
Mediterranean Fleet: see also Cunningham, Force H, and Submarines; during Ethiopian crisis, 2, 3, 5, 30, 74, 76-7; and its base, 9-10, 29, 30, 31, 36, 74-9; in 1938 crisis, 17, 18, 75; in Albanian crisis, 24, 76; on eve of war, 42, 43, with Italy, 99; reduction of, 47, 77, 299; dock affects composition of, 76; composition of 42, 78, 91, 155-6; ammunition shortage in, 78, 80, 153; plans for removal from Alexandria, 78; reinforcement of, 82, 84, 162n, 190-2, 201-4, 218, 242; destroyer shortage in, 91, 109, 155, 204, 216, 313; organization of, 101-3, 162n; first operation of, 109-10; bombards Bardia, 110, 150, 162-3, 278, 286; suggested withdrawal of, 124; in convoy operations, 148 et seq, 159-60, 191, 201-4, 219-22, 241-3, 299, 306, 309-10, 317-21; in action off Calabria, 150-4; in action off Cape Spada, 156-9; in diversionary operations, 159, 160; lends destroyers to Force H, 162; danger to from air and torpedo-bombing attacks, 163, 191, 212, 312, 373; harasses Graziani's communications, 211-2; after Italian invasion of Greece, 228-9; sinks Italian convoy, 238; in Western Desert offensive, 261, 266, 271, 278, 280, 284, 286, now see Inshore Squadron; bombards Valona, 310; general shortages in, 373; danger to from mines, 373
Mediterranean Station: 32
Meetings: see Conferences
Mega: capture of, 409
Merchant ships: rules for attack of, 110-1, 147; in Dardanelles, 111
(British) controlled by Admiralty, 42; measures for safety of, 43, 83, 99, 147-8; act as armament ships, 77; French warships ordered to intercept, 142
(French) British policy towards, 143
(German) escape from Mediterranean, 44
(Italian) loss of, 110, 150, 164, 211, 238, 310, 313-4, 324, 335
(others) loss of 111, 160, 162, 314
Mers-el-Kebir: see Oran
Messervy, Brigadier F. W.: 397, 437-8
Metaxas, General: and British help for Greece, 223; and Italian invasion of
--496--
Metaxas, General—cont.
Greece, 225; given ultimatum, 228; invokes guarantee, 229, 388; withdraws Greek troops from Crete, 232; and placation of Germany, 255; talks with, 339-42; death of, 347
Metemma: attack on postponed, 398
Middle East: see also Middle East base; British interest in, 1; during Ethiopian crisis, 2-5; in 1938 crisis, 17-20; joint command in, 31-4; threat to from north, 49 et seq, 87; defensive outlook in, 54; military policy in, 25-7, 55-6, 85-7, 99, 187; airfields in, 69-70; unready for war, 81-2; countries lack confidence in Allies, 88-9; comparison of forces in, 90-7; reactions to Italy's entry into war, 121-2; effects of French collapse in, 122-8, 142; proposal for regional War Council in, 185-6; Wavell's review of, 187-90; air defence in, 213-15; effect on of the arrival of the Luftwaffe, 323-8
Middle East base: importance of Canal to, 39; enlargement and construction of, 60 et seq, 250; security of, 90
Middle East Command R.A.F.: 31, 107
Middle East Intelligence Centre: 34
Milch, Field-Marshal Erhard: 315
Military Government, British: 443, 450
Minister of Aircraft Production: 191n
Minister of Defence: see Prime Minister
Minister of Marine (Italian): 304
Minister of National Defence (Egyptian): 37, 42, 54
Minister of State in the Middle East: 186
Ministerial Committee on the Middle East: 186, 187, 251
Ministry of Marine (French): 27-8
Mission No. 101: enters Ethiopia, 183-4; helped by Royal Air Force, 404; Wingate head of, 406, 424; mentioned, 426
Mitchell, Sir Philip: 406
Mitchell, Air Chief Marshal Sir William: becomes A.O.C.-in-C., M.E., 31; and location of headquarters, 33; war aims of, 41; anxiety over administrative situation, 56, 61; needs communication aircraft, 63; provides facilities for F.A.A., 78; leaves Middle East, 94
Mittelhauser, General: 123, 128
'Mittelmeer': 315
Mobile Naval Base Defence Organization: 325
Modun: bombardment of, 416
Mogadishu: capture of, 391, 415-6; advance on, 395, 411, 412
Mogador: damaged, 136
Mohamed Mahmoud Pasha: 35, 54
Mohawk, fighter aircraft: 252, 342
Mohawk, H.M.S.: 238, 318
Mombasa: air defence of, 213; threat to, 392
Mombasa-Cairo route: see Nile Valley route
Montreux Convention: 44, 52-3, 111
Moonstone, H.M.S.: 111
Mosul oilfields: defence of, 90
Motor Machine-Gun Companies, Sudan Defence Force: 169; Nos. 3 and 5, 170
Motor Machine-Gun Group, Sudan Defence Force: No.1, 397; No.2, 401
Motor transport: lack of, 67, 68-9, 71-2; desert-worthiness of, 68-9; in Kenya, 181-2, 412, 423
Moubray, Lieut.-Colonel J.: 209
Mounted Infantry Company, Sudan Defence Force, No. 6: 170
Moyale: loss of, 180-1, 189, 391; recapture of, 409
Mufti of Jerusalem: 17, 88, 122
Munich settlement: 13, 14, 17
Murzuk: raid on, 297
Mussolini, Benito: and Ethiopian war, 2, 20; supports Franco, 7; and Anglo-Italian Joint Declaration, 7; as Protector of Islam, 8; and invasion of Albania, 24; Roosevelt appeals to, 38; and entry into war, 39, 81, 82, 83, 85, 88, 207, 223, 363, 447; decides on neutrality, 40; and contraband control, 45, 47; ends hope of trade agreement, 48; meets Hitler, 81, 130n, 226, 257, 367; on troops in East Africa, 93n; comments on frontier operations, 118n; and Italian naval policy, 145; and Italian East Africa, 165, 168, 430-2, 442, 447; annoyed about French Somaliland, 167; and capture of British Somaliland, 176n; and advance into Egypt, 207-8, 211; and invasion of Greece and Yugoslavia, 225-6, 234, 337, 363; Hitler tells his plans to, 240, 347; and German aid, 257, 315, 368; and British Western Desert offensive, 281, 354; warns against French dissidents, 354; on Italian shortages, 366; and defence of Tripolitania, 369; orders enquiry on raid on El Wak, 408
Myriel, s.s.: 280
Nagash, Dejesmach: 403, 427
Nahas Pasha: 6
Narval: 127n, 313
Nasi, Lieut.-General: in capture of British Somaliland, 174; announces Italians to return to Burye, 425; mentioned in connexion with Patriots, 427; ordered to organize areas of resistance, 429; forces under, 430; commands in Amhara and Shoa, 431 442; tasks of, 432
Natal Mounted Rifles, 1st Bn: 409
Natale, Colonel: 424, 425
Neptune, H.M.S.: 84, 149, 150, 156n
Nessim Government: 4
Newcastle, H.M.S.: 244, 299-302, 306
New Zealand: see also New Zealand Government; declares war on Germany and expands defence forces, 57
New Zealand Construction and Maintenance Group N.Z.E.: 249
New Zealand Government: anxious for safety of Dominion convoys, 84; wish to keep contingents intact, 84-5; and fleet for Far East, 126; offers technical units, 249; and the decision to help Greece, 381, 386-7
--497--
New Zealand land forces: arrive in Middle East, 57
New Zealand Operating Group N.Z.E.: 249
New Zealand Star, m.v.: 299, 306
Nibeiwa camp: assault on, 266-7
Nicholson, Commander H. St. L.: 156, 158
Nigeria Regiment: 179
Nile Valley route, Mombasa-Cairo: capacity of 62, 67; importance of, 179; description of, 248n
Noguès, General: visited by Wavell, 55; on French Tunisian forces, 93; reactions to French collapse, 122-3, 127-8
Norfolk, H.M.S.: 47
North, Admiral Sir Dudley: 131, 135
North Africa: reactions to French Armistice, 122-3, 127
North Africa Supreme Headquarters, Italian: 92
Northern Prince, m.v.: 316, 323
Northern Rhodesia Regiment, 1st Bn: for British Somaliland, 83; in British Somaliland, 172, 174, 177-8; mentioned, 180; in Kenya, 407
Norway: invasion of, 82, 85; campaign in, 87
Nott, Major D. H.: 426
Nubian, H.M.S.: 238
Nyon Conference: 9
O'Connor, Major-General (later Lieut.-General) R. N.: commands Western Desert Force, 97; posts covering force, 118; confidence of, 258; and battle of Sidi Barrani, 'COMPASS', 259, 265, 269, 272; and capture of Bardia, 270, 278, 284; parts with 4th Indian Division, 271; and capture of Benghazi 351, 355-6; and Babini's armoured brigade, 353; and the battle of Beda Fomm, 356-8, 361; commands in Egypt, 365
Odin, H.M.S.: 110, 164n
Oerlikon guns: 79
Ollive, Vice-Admiral: 28
Onslow, Captain (acting Rear-Admiral) R. F. J.: 137
Operational Centres: formation of, 404; plans for, 405; in campaign of Gideon Force, 424-6
No.1: 406
No.2: 406
Oran: in terms of armistice, 125; French ships at, 130; action against French Fleet at, 131-8, possible consequences from, 141, reactions to, 142
Orion, H.M.S.: arrives in Mediterranean, 84: in convoy operations, 148, 149, 202, 219-20, 300, 320-1; in action off Calabria, 150, 153; mentioned, 156n; in encounter with Italian convoy, 238
Orlanger: 111
Orpheus, H.M.S.: 110, 164n
Ostro: 149
Oswald, H.M.S.: 164n
Overland route, Basra to Haifa: description of, 15, 16, 18; defence of, 49; improvement of, 62, 66
Owen, Brigadier W.: 411
Palestine: creation of State, 1; rebellion in, 13-14; conference on, 16-17; policy for, 17, 27; communications with Egypt, 19, 64; industries of, 64; as a base, 64; airfields in, 69, 70, 72; troops in, 93; situation in, 190
Palestine and Transjordan: command in, 31, 32, 63n; administration of troops in, 60
Pandora, H.M.S.: 160
Pantelleria: capture of see 'WORKSHOP'
Pantera: 441
Papagos, General: and Albanian fighting, 333, 336; talks with, 340-1, 378-80, 383-5; has not withdrawn troops, 382; high command under, 470
Papen, von: 129
Parthian, H.M.S.: 110
Patriots, Ethiopian: see also Gideon Force; 391; significance of movement, 394; encouraged by British attack on Gallabat, 399; influence of Emperor's presence on, 403, 404; part of in operations, 403, 425, 427-8; training of, 404; Ras Hailu influences, 405, 425; tasks of, 406; contacts with in Galla-Sidamo, 409; in Begemdir, 426; Cunningham controls operations of, 426; unhelpful near Addis Derra, 426; in pursuit of Maraventano's force, 427; at Wolchefit Pass, 443; capture Socota, 443; in action at Combolcha, 444; in battle of Amba Alagi, 446
Paul, Prince, Regent of Yugoslavia: 379, 381-2
Penelope, H.M.S.; 47
Persia: dissatisfaction in, 88
Persian Gulf: land command of operations near, 63
Perth, H.M.A.S.: 320-2
Pesenti, Lieutenant-General: 409
Pétain, Marshal: 130, 185, 226
Phoenix, H.M.S., F.A.A. shore establishment: 78
Phoenix, H.M.S.: 151, 164n
Pienaar, Brigadier D. H.: and capture of Kismayu, 413; finds place to cross Juba, 413; enters Addis Ababa, 422; in action at Combolcha, 443-4; and battle of Amba Alagi, 446
Pinna, Air General: 114n, 430
Pitt, Earl of Chatham: Churchill compared with, 200-1
Platt, Major-General (later Lieut.-General) W: plans future operations, 55, 265, 392; and fostering rebellion in Ethiopia, 55, 183, 265, 403-6; and defence of the Sudan, 168, 169, 397; policy of, 171; told of Western Desert offensive, 265, 393; 4th Indian Division for, 265, 271, 393; in East African campaign, 391; and attack on Gallabat, 392-3; and attack on Kassala, 399-400; ordered to Asmara, 394, 402; not to go into Ethiopia, 395; reorganizes 5th Indian Division, 397; and campaign of Gideon Force, 424-6; and
--498--
Platt, Major-General W.—cont.capture of Massawa, 441; and the battle of Keren, 395, 402, 433, 435, 437-40; and the battle of Amba Alagi, 396, 443; Duke of Aosta surrenders to, 446
Plumleaf, oiler: 202
Poland: guarantees to, 23, 38; Non-Aggression Pact with, 38; and Treaty with U.K., 38; invasion of, 39, 42, 48
Polish Brigade: 375, 404
Polish Government: 381
Porro, Air General: 208
Portal, Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles: 251
Port Said: use of, 64; oil at, 74; naval facilities at, 79; clearance facilities at, 250
Port Sudan: sole useful port, 168; air attacks on, 170; air defence of, 213
Ports and Lights, Egyptian: 75, 80
Pound, Admiral Sir Dudley: 18, 24, 28n, 75 now see Chief of Naval Staff
Prasca, General Visconti: 225-6, 234, 337
Prendergast, Captain G. L.: 294
Pretty, Captain F. C.: 203
Pricolo, General Francesco: 145, 315
Pridham-Wippell, Vice-Admiral H. D.: in engagement with enemy, 238; in convoy operations, 300, 309, 317, 320; cannot locate Illustrious, 323
Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. Neville Chamberlain): 8, 38
Prime Minister and Minister of Defence (Rt. Hon. Winston S. Churchill): becomes Prime Minister, 88; on Admiral Cunningham's objects, 98; and action against French Fleet, 137; sets up Committee for Middle East, 186; invites Wavell home, 187; and reinforcements for Middle East, 190-1, 374; presides over Defence Committee, 191n; sends Directive to Wavell, 197; compared with Pitt, 200-1 ; and operation 'HATS', 204; and Malta, 219; and Italian invasion of Greece, 228; comments on despatch of squadron to Greece, 230; and offensive in Western Desert, 'COMPASS', 230, 253, 275, 277; and support for Turkey, 239; and 'WORKSHOP', 308-9, 325; on the arrival of the Luftwaffe in the Mediterranean, 323; and aid to Greece, 229, 338-9, 372, 377, 380-1, 386, 388; appeals to Turkish President, 346-7, 466-7; dissatisfied with troops in Kenya, 393; hopes for victory in Ethiopia, 394; appealed to by Emperor of Ethiopia, 405
Prisoners: in patrols, 118-9, 187, 264; in naval actions, 149, 158, 220, 222; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 268, 271, 273; in capture of Bardia, 284, 287; in capture of Tobruk, 293; in battle of Beda Fomm, 358, 360, 361; in whole Western Desert campaign, 362; in action at Keru, 400; in raid on El Wak, 408; in capture of Mega, 409; in capture of Bulo Erillo, 413; at Harar, 419; in Italian evacuation of Burye, 424; from surrender of Maraventano's force, 427; captured by Gideon Force, 427; in battle of Keren, 439; in capture of Asmara, 441; in capture of Massawa, 442; in action at Combolcha, 444; in surrender at Amba Alagi, 446
Protector, H.M.S.: 164, 229
Proteus, H.M.S.: 160
Provence: 136
Punjab Regiment:
1st, 3rd Bn: 268, 433n
2nd, 1st Bn: 172, 177
2nd, 3rd Bn: 438, 445
14th, 3rd Bn: 433n
15th, 3rd Bn: 172, 173, 176
Queen Elizabeth, s.s.: 244n
Queen Elizabeth class: 76, 155
Queen Mary, s.s.: 244n
Radar: absence of in Mediterranean Fleet, 155, 320; in Ajax, 192, 222; in operation 'HATS', 202; scarcity of sets, 213; in Illustrious, 312; during passage of convoy 'EXCESS', 317, 318; in Bonaventure, 321; in bombardment of Genoa, 330
Raeder, Admiral: 366
Railway Construction and Operating Company, 10th R.E.: 249
Rainbow, H.M.S.: 217
Rajputana Rifles, 6th:
1st Bn: 267-8, 433n
4th Bn: 268, 435
Ramillies, H.M.S.: arrives in Mediterranean, 84; mentioned, 156n; in convoy operations, 221, 242; leaves Mediterranean, 299-302, 306; in action off Cape Spartivento, 304
Rankin, Lieut.-Colonel W.: 443-4, 446
Rawlings, Rear-Admiral H. B.: 320
Rear-Admiral, First Battle Squadron: 309, 323
Rear-Admiral Mediterranean Aircraft Carriers: see Lyster
Red Sea: see also Sea Communications and Red Sea Force; vulnerability of and dangers to, 4, 39, 75; Italian naval force in, see Massawa; convoys in, 112, 193, 248-9; as 'Combat Zone', 244; rendering safe of, 395; no longer 'Combat Zone', 396, 442
Red Sea Force: description of, 84; only provides essential escorts, 92; conditions in, 249
Rees, Brigadier T, W.: 439
Regulus, H.M.S.: 313
Reinforcements: see under heading of their destination, e.g. Royal Air Force, Kenya, etc.
Renouf, Rear-Admiral E. de F.: 316-8, 320
Renown, H.M.S.: in Force H, 156n; in convoy operations, 201, 300, 310, 316-7; operates in Atlantic, 242; rejoins Force H, 243; in action off Cape Spartivento, 301-5; damaged, 311; under repair, 316; in bombardment of Genoa, 328-30
Renton, Lieut.-Colonel J. M. L.: 358
--499--
Reserve M.T. Company, New Zealand A.S.C., 4th: 268, 280
Reserve, strategic, in Middle East: for use in Balkans, 51; ordered to be formed, 328, 344; 50th Division for, 374; mentioned, 389
Resolution, H.M.S.: at action at Oran, 132n; in diversionary operation, 155; mentioned, 156n; in operation 'HURRY', 160
Resource, H.M.S.: 75, 78
Rhodes: air attacks on, 203; Luftwaffe established at, 326; importance of capturing, 343, 344-5, 375; air threat from, 373
Ribbentrop, von: 81, 226
Riccardi, Admiral: 337
Richards, Brigadier C. E. M.: 413
Richelieu: 130, 137
Richpal Ram, Subedar: 435
Richthofen, General Frh. von: 348
Rifle Brigade, 2nd Bn: in battle of Sidi Barrani, 266, 270; in battle of Beda Fomm, 358, 361
Ringrose, Major B. J.: 443
Rintelen, Major-General Enno von: reports on situation in Libya, 207, 209, 366, 368; reports on Italian invasion of Greece, 226, 337; on notification of British attack, 274; Guzzoni reports to, 367
Ritchie, Brigadier A. McD.: 411
Roatta, General: 369
Robertson, Brigadier H. C. H.: 286, 293
Rolle, Colonel: 398
Rome-Berlin Axis: 7
Rommel, Lieut.-General Erwin: 369, 396
Roosevelt, President: appeals to Axis dictators, 38; declares Red Sea a Combat Zone, 244; announces end of Red Sea Combat Zone, 396, 442
Rorqual, H.M.S.: 164
Royal Air Force in Middle East: during Ethiopian crisis, 3, 4-5; rearmament and reinforcement of, 12, 18-19, 41, 61, 62, 71-3, 83, 95, 129, 186, 192-7, 232, 246, 250-5, 346, 373-4; in 1938 crisis, 17; command in, 31; on eve of war, 41; policy for expansion of and administrative consequences, 62-3, 71-3; airfields for, 69-70, 72; aircraft depots for, 70-1; vehicles shortage in, 71-2; reserves in, 72; inadequacy of, 81; strength and state of, 95, 188; tasks of, 95, 112; at Aden, 96, 114, 178, 450; in the Sudan, 96, 114, 169, 254, 397, 398, 450; in Kenya, 96, 180, 407, 450; in the Western Desert, 97, 112-3, 114, 205-6, 209, 210-11, 261; now see below in Western Desert offensive; organization of, 107-8; attacks Tobruk, 164, 261; in bombardments of Bardia, 113, 162-3; attacks enemy troops concentrations, 113; attacks Derna, 164, 261; attacks Bomba, 164; in loss of British Somaliland, 177-8; attacks Benina, 211; effect of loss of Sidi Barrani on, 212; and air defence of Alexandria, 214; attacks Taranto, 237; attacks Benghazi, 261; attacks Bardia, 261; and the Long Range Desert Group, 296; general activities of against Italian ports, 312; sets up Cyrenaican H.Q., 365;
(in East African campaign) 391; in attack on Gallabat, 398; during Italian retreat from Um Hagar, 401; general activity during Italian withdrawals from Sudan frontier, 402; helps 101 Mission, 404; attacks Italian airfields, etc., 417, 420, 436; in battle of Keren, 437-8; in capture of Massawa, 441-2; in battle of Amba Alagi, 443;
(in Greece) arrival of, 230, 233; increases in and strength of, 231, 255, 336, 344, 376; policy of, 234-5, 336; operations and losses of, 253, 334, 336;
(in Western Desert offensive) casualties in, 253, 272; plan for, 261; strength of, 261-2, 288; strikes at airfields, 266, 353; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 272; and capture of Bardia, 253, 278, 284, 286; maintenance of, 281, 352-3; and capture of Tobruk, 291, 293; during Italian withdrawal, 357
Groups:
No. 201: 99
202: ready for war, 100; damages San Giorgio, 110; commands air forces in Western Desert, 112; aircraft attack enemy airfields, 204; and battle of Sidi Barrani, 262; H.Q. at Sollum, 288; H.Q. withdrawn, 365
203: 169, 397, 420
Wings:
No. 252: 154, 214
254: 169
Squadrons:
No. 6: 264n, 365
8: attacks airfield near Assab, 114; in loss of British Somaliland, 178; attacks Diredawa airfields, 417; for mopping-up operations, 450
11: for Aden, 114; in loss of British Somaliland, 178; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 261, 262n; for Greece, 344
14: attacks Massawa, 114; mentioned, 169; in battle of Keren, 437; sinks Italian destroyers, 441; for Egypt, 450
30: conversion of, 114; for Greece, 230, 231; begins operations, 233
33: in capture of Fort Capuzzo, 113; escort duties of, 113, 150; rearmed, 251; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 262n; covers forward area, 280; and capture of Bardia, 286; for Greece, 336
37: for Middle East, 232; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 262n; and capture of Tobruk, 291; attacks Albanian airfields, 336
--500--
Royal Air Force in Middle East: Squadrons—cont.
38: for Middle East, 232; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 262n, and capture of Tobruk, 291
39: attacks Diredawa, 114; in loss of British Somaliland, 178; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 261, 262n
45: attacks El Adem, 112; attacks Tobruk, 112; goes to Sudan, 114, 169, 397; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 261, 262n; withdrawn, 365
47: in the Sudan, 169; in battle of Keren, 437; in capture of Massawa, 442; and battle of Amba Alagi, 443; for mopping- up operations, 450
55: attacks El Adem, 112; attacks Tobruk, 159; and Italian advance into Egypt, 209; attacks Bardia, 253; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 262n; and capture of Tobruk, 293; in Cyrenaica command, 365
69: 312
70: operations of in Greece, 233; rearmed, 251; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 262n; and capture of Bardia, 284; during Italian withdrawal, 357
73: for Middle East, 232; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 262; covers forward area, 280; and capture of Bardia, 286; and capture of Tobruk, 293; at Gazala, 353; defends Tobruk, 365
80: 233, 336
84: 178, 199, 233
94: in Red Sea, 114; in loss of British Somaliland, 177; reinforces South African Air Force, 420; for Egypt, 450
112: 169, 262n, 344
113: attacks El Adem, 112; attacks Tobruk, 112; reconnaissances of, 113; and Italian advance into Egypt, 209; rearmed, 251; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 262n; in capture of Tobruk, 293; withdrawn, 365
148: operations of against Italian ports, 312; attacks Catania, 321
203: in loss of British Somaliland, 178; attacks targets in Ethiopia, 420; for Egypt, 450
208: reconnaissances of, 113; in Army/Air Component, 264n; to co-operate with 7th Armoured Division, 357
211: attacks Tobruk, 112, 150, 159; in capture of Fort Capuzzo 113; and Italian advance into Egypt, 209; in Greece, 233
216: attacks El Adem, 113; attacks Tobruk, 113, 206; many calls on, 218; takes air party to Greece, 233; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 262n; and capture of Bardia, 284; helps Long Range Desert Group, 296
223: in the Sudan, 169; goes to Aden, 178; attacks Mai Edega, 436; in battle of Keren, 437; destroys Italian ships, 441; in capture of Massawa, 442; for Egypt, 450
228: reconnaissances of, 149, 151, 324: and attack on Taranto, 236; mentioned, 312
230: sinks submarines, 149
237 Rhodesian: in Kenya, 180; in the Sudan, 397, 407; in battle of Keren, 437; and battle of Amba Alagi, 443; for Egypt, 450
261: 312
274: in battle of Sidi Barrani, 261-2; covers forward area, 280; and capture of Bardia, 286; and capture of Tobruk, 293; at Gazala, 353; withdrawn, 365
Flights:
K: 169, 261
430: 169, 404
431: 236, 312
Other Units:
Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit: 195
Flying Training School, No. 4: 199
Kenya Auxiliary Air Unit: 180
Royal Artillery:
Hong Kong and Singapore Brigade, 23rd Battery: 173
1st Field Regiment; 269
25th Field Regiment; 268
31st Field Regiment; 269
7th Medium Regiment; 269
31st Field Battery; 267-8
25/26th Medium Battery; 210
212th Medium Battery; 437
233rd Medium Battery; 437
22nd Mountain Battery; 180, 419
Royal Australian Air Force, No. 3 Squadron: in Army/Air Component, 264n, 272; and capture of Tobruk, 293; defends Benghazi, 365
Royal Fusiliers, 1st Bn: 268, 435n
Royal Garhwal Rifles, 18th, 3rd Bn: 438, 445
Royal Horse Artillery: 97
3rd Regiment; 293
106th Regiment; 358, 361
C Battery; 209-10, 358, 361
F Battery; 209-10, 360
J Battery; 119
Royal Natal Carbineers, 1st Bn: 415, 444
Royal Navy: see also Mediterranean Fleet; command in Middle East, 32-3; in Norwegian campaign, 82, 84, 87
Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, 1st Bn: 210, 283
--501--
Royal Sovereign, H.M.S.: arrives in Mediterranean, 84; endurance of 102-3; and action off Calabria, 150-1n, 153; in convoy operations, 154; (class) 76, 102-3, 109; anxiety to C.-in-C., 155
Royal Tank Regiment:
1st Bn; 360
2nd Bn; for Middle East, 190n; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 270; in battle of Beda Fomm, 359-60
4th Bn; to join 4th Indian Division, 400; in battle of Keren, 439n; in capture of Massawa, 442
6th Bn; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 270; withdrawn, 291; in attack on Gallabat, 398
7th Bn; for Middle East, 190n; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 259-60, 267-9; in capture of Bardia, 271, 283; in capture of Tobruk, 291
Royal West African Frontier Force: control of, 32; brigades for Kenya, 62, 83; description of, 179
Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry: 214
Rubino: 149
Rumania: guarantee to, 25, 31, 52, renounced, 129; threat to, 48, 49; loses provinces to Russia, 129; relations with Germany and Italy, 129, 225, 238; British threat to oilfields in, 255, 343, 346, 348; German concentration in, 338, 339, 340-1, 348, 388
Russell, Colonel D.: 446
Russell, Brigadier H.: 270
Russia: and Soviet-German Non-Aggression Pact, 38, 48, 50; possible action by, 48-9, 61, 90; annexes Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina, 129; German attack on see 'Barbarossa'; interested in German move towards Greece, 348
Salonika: French project for force at, 50-1, 86-7, 90; defence of 378-9, 383-4
Sandford, Colonel (later Brigadier) D. A.: fosters rebellion in Ethiopia, 182-4, 391, 402-5; as Emperor's adviser, 406, 426
San Giorgio: set on fire, 110, 113; in Tobruk, 291; wrecked, 293
Sappers and Miners, 5th Indian Division: 439
Saudi Arabia: strategical importance of 16; sympathies in, 88
Sauro: sunk, 441
Savige, Brigadier S. G.: 282
Savoia 79 (S.79), Italian bomber: compared with Blenheims, 96
Savoia 81 (S.81), Italian bomber: 3
Savoia Grenadier Regiment, 11th Bn: for Keren, 431: at Keren, 433, 440, 448
Savory, Brigadier R. A.: 267, 433
Scheer: 242, 299
Scots Guards, 2nd Bn: 296
Sea Communications: between Italy and Libya, 25, 26, 28, 30, 92, 98, 99, 146-7, 164, 215, 216-7, 316, 324; in Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, 26, 90; between Italy and East Africa, 82, 85; in Eastern Mediterranean, 98; in Aegean, 98, 111, 147; between Italy and Dodecanese, 98; between Italy and Albania, 312, 316
Selby, Brigadier A. R.: 266, 269-70
Senior British Naval Officer, Canal Area: 37
Serenitas: sunk, 150
Seyoum, Ras: 443
Sheffield, H.M.S.: in Force H, 156n; in convoy operations, 201, 300-1, 316-7; in bombardment of Genoa, 329-30
Shropshire, H.M.S.: 412n
Sidi Barrani: Italian air attacks on, 113: Italians capture, 210; effect of capture, 212; battle of, 'COMPASS', 260-75
Sierra Leone Battalion, Royal West African Frontier Force: 180
Sikh Regiment, 11th, 4th Bn: 435
Simonds, Major A. C.: 424-5
Skinner's Horse, Sudan Defence Force: 397, 437
Slatter, Air Commodore L. H.: commands 203 Group, 169; strength of his forces, 397; his targets, 398; and plan to attack Kassala, 399
Slim, Brigadier W. J.: 397, 399
Smallwood, Brigadier G. R.: 416
Smuts, General, Prime Minister of South Africa: and forces for Middle East, 57, 197, 394; anxious about defence of Kenya, 199, 394; and aid for Greece, 387; at Khartoum Conference, 392
Socota: capture of, 443
Soddu, General: 234, 337
Sollum: capture of 280
Somaliland Camel Corps: 94; reinforcements for, 172; in loss of British Somaliland, 173-4, 178
Somerville, Vice-Admiral Sir James: commands Force H, 131; and action against French Fleet, 131-3, 135-8; and diversionary operations, 155; on role of Force H, 156; and reinforcements for Malta, 159-60, 243; and convoy operations, 201-2, 242, 300-1, 316-7; and action off Cape Spartivento, 301-7; ordered to Azores, 310; and bombardment of Genoa, 328-9, 332
'Sonnenblume': 368
Sortie: explanation of, 211n
South Africa: declares war on Germany and position of armed forces, 57
South African Air Force: squadrons offered to Kenya, 58; aircraft for, 195, 252; expansion of in East Africa, 252
(in East African campaign) 391; in raid on El Wak, 408; attacks Italian airfields, 411, 417, 421; and the capture of Kismayu, 412-3, 415; moves to Mogadishu, 417; and advance to Harar, 418; reinforcements for, 420; losses of, 422; review of in campaign from Kenya to Addis Ababa, 423;
(in Kenya) begins to arrive, 96; strength of, 180, 407, 450; control of, 408; tasks of, 408;
(in the Sudan) strength of, 169
--502--
South African Air Force—cont.
Wings:
No. 2: 412, 417
Squadrons:
No. 1: 169
2: 407, 450
3: in Kenya, 407; attacks Italian airfields, 413, 421; at Dagabur, 417; in 'close support flight', 420; for mopping-up operations, 450
11: in Kenya, 180, 407; attacks Italian airfields, 411, 413, 421; for mopping-up operations, 450
12: in Kenya, 180, 407; attacks Italian airfields, 411, 413, 421; for Egypt, 450
24: 450
40: in Kenya, 180, 407; for mopping-up operations, 450
41: in Kenya, 407; helps 11th African Division, 417; in 'close support flight', 420; for mopping-up operations, 450
South African Artillery: 1st Anti-Aircraft Brigade, 180, 247; 4th Field Brigade, 443; 7th Field Brigade, 419; 1st Medium Brigade, 443-4
South African Engineers: 412
South African Government: see also Smuts; agree to send forces to Middle East, 83; its interest in and help for Kenya, 181, 412, 423; and control of South African squadrons, 408
South African land forces: offered to Kenya, 57, 180
South African Light Tank Company, 1st: 408
South African Road Construction and Maintenance Companies: 415
Southampton, H.M.S.: in convoy operations, 299, 305-6, 316-8; loss of, 320
Southern Rhodesia Regiment: 172
Sowrey, Air Commodore W.: 408, 412
Spahis: 401
Spain: see also Franco; adopts non-belligerency, 126; attempts to bring into war, 240
Spanish Civil War: 7, 8, 13
Squadra 5th: in advance into Egypt, 208-9; notified of impending attack, 274; strength of, 288; mastered, 362
Staff Conversations: see Conferences
Strasbourg: 91; at Oran, 130; and action at Oran, 132, 136-7, 142
Stuart, H.M.A.S.: 47; and action off Calabria, 150; in encounter with submarine, 220
Submarines:
(British) numbers of, 91; organization of, 102; operations and losses of, 110, 164, 216-7, 313-4; 'T' class, 217; 'U' class 314, 324
(French) numbers of 91, 92; control of 110
(German) in Mediterranean, 43
(Greek) patrol Adriatic, 313, 335
(Italian) agreement concerning during Italy's neutrality, 44; numbers of, 91; losses of, 110, 111-2, 148-9, 164, 220, 314; operations of, 111, 314
Suda Bay: as fleet fuelling base, 99, 110, 228-30; air attacks on, 229; limitations of, 335
Sudan: see also Platt; command in, 31, 32, 63n; policy for operations in, 55; administration of troops in, 60; airfields in, 69, 70, 72; no land threat to, 89; troops in, 94, 397; dispositions in, 97, 169; possible invasion of, 168; frontier operations in, 170-1, 189, 398; reinforcements for, (see also 4th and 5th Indian Divisions), 171, 396-7; defence of, 197; air defence of, 213; Italian withdrawals from frontier, 399-402; (air forces in) strength of, 96, 114, 169, 254, 397, 450; tasks of, 169, 398; reduction in, 261, 450
Sudan Defence Force: additional battalion for, 62; mentioned, 94; description of, 168-9; patrols of, 170, 171, 397; in loss of Kassala, 170; pursues Italians, 401; and battle of Keren, 437; at Wolchefit Pass, 443
Sudan Horse: 169
Sudan Police: 397
Suez Canal: British interest in, 1; and Constantinople Convention, 2, 3n, 12, 37, 46; dangers to, 4, 37, 75, 99, 324; defence of, 37, 49; importance of, 39; lights extinguished, 100; air attacks on, 164; mining of, 250, 326-8, 385, 387
Suez, port of: 64, 65, 250, 327
Suffolk, H.M.S.: 47
Support Group (7th Armoured Division): on eve of war with Italy, 97; description of, 105; part of covering force, 118; takes over front, 205, 259; withdrawn, 211; patrols of 264; in battle of Sidi Barrani, 269-70; and capture of Bardia, 278, 286-7; and capture of Tobruk, 287, 291; mentioned, 357n; attacks Sceleidima fort, 359
Sydney, H.M.A.S.: arrives in Mediterranean, 84; in engagements with enemy, 149; and action off Calabria, 150; mentioned, 156n; in action off Cape Spada, 156-8; in operation 'HATS', 202; in convoy operations, 219-20; in encounter with Italian convoy, 238; takes unit to Crete, 242
Syria: creation of State, 1; strategic importance of, 26; troops in, 27n, 93; air forces in, 95; reactions to French armistice in, 123, 124, 128; British announcement on, 128
Tactical Air Forces: 264
Takoradi air route: development of, 126, 195-7; defence of, 193, 296; length of sea passage to, 194; aircraft deliveries to by carrier, 195, 232, 253, 324, 344; Tedder reports on, 254
--503--
Tanks: see also 7th Armoured Division;
(light) description of, 105;
(medium or cruiser) description of, 105;
('I') description of, 105; for Middle East, 191;
(Italian M.13) used by British, 364n
Taranto: Fleet Air Arm's action at, 235-8, 242-3
Tedder, Air Marshal A. W.: 254
Tellera, General : 287, 354, 361
Terror, H.M.S.: bombardments by, 266, 271, 278, 284, 291; lands water, 280; in Inshore Squadron, 290
Thesiger, Bimbashi W.: 426
Thoma, General von: 257, 366
Thorold, Group Captain H. K.: 197, 254
Tigre: 441
Tirso Dam: attack on, 329
Tobruk: British air attacks on, 112-3, 150, 159, 164, 206, 209, 261; capture of, 281, 287-93; enemy air attacks on, 365
Tomahawk, fighter aircraft: little known of, 42
Torelli, Colonel: 424-5
Tovey, Vice-Admiral J. C.: commands contraband control operations, 46; in convoy operations, 148, 149; in action off Calabria, 150, 153; becomes Vice-Admiral, Light Forces, 162n; commands Home Fleet, 238n
Transjordan: creation of State, 1; strategic importance of, 15-16
Transjordan Frontier Force: 16
Transvaal Scottish, 1st Bn: 415, 419, 444
Treaties, etc.: Anglo-Egyptian, 6-7, 9, 11, 35, 69, 71; Anglo-Italian Joint Declaration (the Gentlemen's Agreement), 7-8; Anti-Comintern Pact, 11, 20; Anglo- Italian Agreement, 12, 16, 24, 47; Bon Voisinage Agreement, 12, 181, 182; Anglo-Iraq, 14-15; Treaties of Saudi Arabia, 16; between Britain and Yemen, 16; Pact of Steel, 25, 38, 39; Anglo-Turkish Joint Declaration, 25, 26, 31, 50; Balkan Entente, 25, 49, 50; German naval agreement with Great Britain, 38; Non-Aggression Pact with Poland, 38; Soviet-German Non-Aggression Pact, 38, 48, 50; Anglo-Polish Treaty, 38; Anglo-French-Turkish Treaty of Mutual Assistance, 50, 51-2, 60, 122, 129; Tripartite Pact, 347
Trento: 237
Triad, H.M.S.: 217
Tribal class destroyers: 217
Tripoli: air attacks on, 301, 316; possible advance to, 371-2
Tripolitania: French offensive into, 26, 55, 56, 85; Italian defence of, 368, 369
Triton, H.M.S.: 313
Tummar West camp: assault on, 268
Turkey: effect of First World War on, 1; Joint Declaration with, 25, 26, 31, 50; strategic importance of, 25, 49-50, 87, 239; Treaty with, 50, 51-2, 60, 122, 129; British support for, 51, 53, 81, 239, 256, 372, 375, 376-7; war material for, 50, 52, 90, 122, 256, 345-6, 382; administrative development in, 52, 62, 67, 256, 345; refuse British passage through Straits, 53; talks with, 53, 85, 89-90, 122, 256, 345-6, 381-2; possible air force units for, 61, 62, 71, 87, 95, 255; command of forces sent to, 63; French support for, 87, 90; and merchant ships in Dardanelles, 111; reaction to Italy's entry into war, 122; and British announcement on Syria, 128; reactions to French collapse, 128-9; reactions to Oran, 142; officers from visit Egypt, 215; and invasion of Greece, 224; encouraged by attack on Taranto, 238; appeal to President of, 346-7, 466-7
Turkish Chief of Staff: 50
Turkish Foreign Minister: 51
Turle, Rear-Admiral C. E.: 233, 340
Uebi Scebeli: 148-9
Um Hagar: Italian forces at, 397; Italians withdraw from, 401
Unique, H.M.S.: 324
United States of America: see also Roosevelt; reactions to Oran, 142; and decision to aid Greece, 389
Upholder, H.M.S.: 324
Upright, H.M.S.: 324
Usk, H.M.S.: 324
Utmost, H.M.S.: 324
Valiant, H.M.S.: at action at Oran, 132n; in diversionary operations, 155; Admiral Cunningham asks for, 155; in operation 'HURRY', 160; for Mediterranean Fleet, 190-1, 201, 203; in convoy operations, 219, 221, 300, 309, 317-8, 320; bombards Bardia, 286; value of, 299
Valona: capacity of, 234; air attacks on, 234, 334; bombardment of, 310; offensive against, 336-7
Vampire, H.M.A.S.: 47
Vega: sunk, 318
Ven, Rear-Admiral: 110
Vendetta, H.M.A.S.: 47
Via Imperiale: 400
Vice-Admiral, Destroyers: see Tovey
Vice-Admiral Light Forces: term explained, 102 ; now see Tovey, Pridham-Wippell
Vice-Admiral, Malta: see Ford
Vichy Government: (at Bordeaux) 122, 123 (at Vichy) naval forces under, 141; possibility of war with, 215-6
Victor Emmanuel, King of Italy: 24, 118n, 165n
Victoria Cross: awards of, 177, 402, 435
Vienna Award, Second: 225
Vietina, Admiral: 293
Vittorio Veneto: comes into service, 163; attacked at Taranto, 237; in action off Cape Spartivento, 302, 304, 306
Volo, s.s.: 202
Volpini, General: 446
Voyager, H.M.A.S.: 47
--504--
Wafdist Party : 4, 6, 35, 53, 54
Waller, Captain H. M. L., R.A.N.: 290
War Cabinet: see also Cabinet and Defence Committee; relations with Chiefs of Staff, 33n; orders seizure of German exports, 47; and Salonika project, 51; policy for Middle East land and air forces, 61-3, 71, 73; agrees to precautionary measures, 83; offers common citizenship to France, 124; recognizes de Gaulle, 128; and policy towards French forces, 128; and French Fleet, 130-1, 135, 137-8; and Emperor of Ethiopia, 183; and proposal for regional War Council, 185-6; and destination of 5th Indian Division, 187; its relations with Defence Committee, 191n; and reinforcements for Middle East, 192; and help for Greece, 231, 233, 343, 375, 377, 381, 386-7, 395; and support for Turkey, 239, 256; instructions of, 343-4
War Office: General Wavell reports to, 52, 55, 228, 393, 394; administrative responsibilities of, 60; and defence of British Somaliland, 172; and reinforcements for Middle East, 190, 251, 374; and the Long Range Desert Group, 296
Warspite, H.M.S.: Cs.-in-C. meet in, 34; returns to U.K., 47; visits Istanbul, 50; wears Commander-in-Chief's flag, 84; modernized, 91, 103; in first Fleet operation, 109; mentioned, 140, 156n; in action off Calabria, 150-3; in convoy operations, 202, 219, 221, 300, 309-10, 317-8, 320; after Italian invasion of Greece, 229; bombards Bardia, 286; value of, 299
Waterhen, H.M.A.S.: 47
Wavell, General Sir Archibald: see also Commanders-in-Chief; becomes G.O.C.- in-C., Middle East, 32; Directive to, 457-9; and location of headquarters, 33; and material for Turkey, 52; goes to U.K, 52, 61, 176, 187-92, 194; and defensive outlook in Middle East, 54; asks for policy for conduct of war, 55; visits Noguès, 55; Army Council instructions to, 59; and administration, 60; becomes Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, 63; anxious about overland route, 66; points out war preparations incomplete, 81; forces of, 93, 94; policy of, 97; visits Mittelhauser, 123; fears disintegration in Syria, 128; and Legentilhomme, 128; and destination of 5th Indian Division, 171, 187, 189, 198, 199; and British Somaliland, 172, 175, 178-9, 199; and Kenya, 180, 199, 392; and fostering rebellion in Ethiopia, 182-4, 189, 393, 403-4, 406; proposes regional War Council, 185-6; gives review to Chiefs of Staff, 187-90, 205; and reinforcements, 191-2, 199, 374; and Prime Minister's Directive, 197-9; and air defence, 213; and Malta, 218, 219, 228; and Crete, 228, 229, 232, 241; and Western Desert offensive, 'COMPASS', 230, 239, 253, 258-61, 264-5, 271, 273, 275, 277, 355-7, 364; reticence of, 230-1; and Greece, 231, 338-43, 377, 379-80, 383, 387; sends 4th Indian Division to Sudan, 265, 271, 277, 399; 13th Corps comes under, 289; and the Long Range Desert Group, 295-6; sets up Cyrenaica Command, 364; recommends garrison for Cyrenaica, 375; and East African campaign, 392-6, 402-4, 406, 408, 411, 415, 420-1, 440, 443; and the Sudan, 392
Weichold, Vice-Admiral: 146n
Weinholt, Lieutenant A.: 184
Wellington, bomber aircraft: weight of, 70n
Wells, Rear-Admiral Sir Gerard: 80
West African Command (British): 296-7
Western Arab Corps, Sudan Defence Force: 168n
Western Desert: policy for operations in, 42, 55, 187, 365; administrative development in, 65, 67-9; air force maintenance organizations in, 73; ready for war with Italy, 97, 100; first air operations in, 112-4; reduction of air forces in, 114; general description of, 115-7; first patrols in, 118-9, 187-8, 205;
(offensive in) 230, 239; air support for, 253, 261-2; plans and preparations for, 259-61, 263-5; naval support for, 261, 271; maintenance in, 262-3, 271, 278-81, 288-90, 355; battle of Sidi Barrani, 266-75; capture of Bardia, 270-1, 277-8, 281-7; capture of Tobruk, 281, 287-93; activity round Mechili and Derna, 351-5; the battle of Beda Fomm, 356-62; review of campaign, 362-4
Western Desert Force: set up, 97; ready for war, 100; becomes 13th Corps, 104; objectives of, 118, 258-9; and battle of Sidi Barrani, 259, 262, 272-3; and capture of Bardia, 278; transport of, 279; now see 13th Corps
West Yorkshire Regiment, 2nd Bn: 169, 171, 438
Wetherall, Major-General H. E. de R.: 417-19, 422
Weygand, General Maxime: visits Commanders-in-Chief, 51, 88; career of 51n; recalled to France, 89, 123n; distrusted by Italians, 354
Williamson, Lieutenant-Commander K.: 236-7
Wilson, Captain E. C. T.: 177
Wilson, Lieut.-General Sir H. Maitland: 97; and Egyptian Army dispositions, 42, 54; plans future operations, 54; and loss of British Somaliland, 176-8; and battle of Sidi Barrani 'COMPASS', 259, 265; no longer responsible for 13th Corps, 289; commands in Cyrenaica, 365; to command force for Greece, 378, 385, 470; and talks with Greeks, 383
Wingate, Major (later Lieut.-Colonel) O. C.: 391; plans Patriot operations, 404-6;
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Wingate, Major O. C.—cont.
commands Gideon Force, 406; in campaign of Gideon Force, 424-7, 449
Wolchefit Pass: British Force watches, 443
Wolfe, General: 389
Wolkait: Italian garrison withdraws from, 401, 405
Worcestershire Regiment, 1st Bn: 169, 438, 445
'WORKSHOP': 307-9, 324-5
Yemen: strategical importance of, 16
York, H.M.S.: for Mediterranean Fleet, 156n, 192, 212; in convoy operations, 219, 309, 320
York and Lancaster Regiment, 2nd Bn: 228-9
Yugoslavia: Italian threat to, 83, 225; re-actions to Oran, 142; resolved to oppose Germans, 341; coup d'état in, 349; attitude affects defence of Greece, 378-9, 383; diplomatic approaches to, 379-80, 382
Zeffiro: 149-50
Zog, King of Albania: 24
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Appendix X * Contents