Index
Ships of all nationalities are in their alphabetical places in italics. Groups, Wings, Squadrons and other units of the RAF 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.
–A–
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
Addis Derra: operations near, 426
independent air command in, 31, 94, 420
land command in, 63
reinforcement of, 83
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 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
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, HMS: 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
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
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
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
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, HMS: 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, HMS: 47
(class) 75
Argonauto: sunk, 149
Argus, HMS: 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, HMS: in Force H, 126
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
Armoured Car Company, No. 2, RAF: 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, HMS: 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
2/5th: 286
2/6th: 286
2/7th: 286
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
Auto-Saharan companies: 294, 297
Awash: Aosta’s orders for defence of, 432
capture of, 419
–B–
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
Bardera: advance on, 416
Bardia: naval bombardments of, 110, 113, 150, 162-3, 278, 286
capture of 271, 275, 277-8, 281-7
Barentu: action at, 401
Duke of Aosta’s orders for, 402
Barham, HMS: 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 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
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, HMS: in operation COAT, 241
leaves Mediterranean, 299-302, 306
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, RAF: 12, 194, 233, 313
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
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
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:
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
arrives at Berbera, 418
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
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 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
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
19th Australian: formation of, 283
in capture of Bardia, 286-7
and capture of Tobruk, 287, 291
at Slonta, 359
at El Magrun, 361
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
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
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
–C–
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, HMS: for Mediterranean Fleet, 156n, 201
convoy operations of, 300, 317
Caledon, HMS: 148
bombards Bardia, 150
in landing at Berbera, 417
Calypso, HMS: 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
bombards Bardia, 150
in Force T, 412n
torpedoed, 441
Carlisle, HMS: 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 action at Combolcha, 444
Catania: air attacks on, 150, 321
Caunter, Brigadier J. A. L.: 267
Cavour: damaged, 236-7
(class) in action off Calabria, 153
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
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 RAF 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
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
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
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
on defence of British Somaliland, 172
Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean: see also Pound, Cunningham and, for joint action, Commanders-in-Chief
3, 11
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 non-provocation of Italy, 45
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,
at Malta, 28-9
(with Turks) at Aleppo, 53, 85,
(with Greeks) at Athens, 340-2, 382-5,
at Tatoi, 377-80
at Cairo, 393-4
Console Generale Luizzi: [.148]
Constantinople Convention: 2, 3n, 12, 37, 46
Contraband control in Mediterranean: 44-8, 99
Convoys: scheme for, 11
diversion of Dominion, 84
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
under Wavell, 289
casualties in, 293
information of, 352
relieved by 1st Australian, 365
Coventry, HMS: 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
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
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 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 HMS 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
defence of, 190
air defence of, 214
Cyprus Regiment: 280
Cyrenaica Command: 364-5
Cyrenaica: garrison for, 375
see also Libya
–D–
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
Daniel, Brigadier H.: 408
Danube: operations in, 53
barges escape from, 162
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
Defence Committee: description of, 191n
and reinforcements for Middle East, 192
reactions to Italian invasion of Greece, 229-30
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
Dekheila: naval armament depot at, 77, 78
Della Mura, Major-General: 293
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
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, HMS: 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
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
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
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
4th Indian
second brigade joins, 56
parts with transport, 69
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
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
for Western Desert Force, 265, 271, 278
in capture of Bardia, 283, 287
state of, 283
enters Cyrene, 357
progress of, 359
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
known to Italians, 207
dispositions of, 211
in battle of Sidi Barrani, 259, 261-2, 267, 272
and capture of Bardia, 271, 278-9
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
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
Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Rifles, 1st Bn: 444
Dunkerque: [.91]
at Oran, 130
and action at Oran, 132-3, 136-7
Durazzo: Italian landings at, 24
capacity of, 234
–E–
Eagle, HMS: 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
in diversionary operations, 159, 160
defects in, 235
leaves Mediterranean, 321
East Africa: see also Italian East Africa, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, etc.
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
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
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
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
Egyptian Government: and Fleet base, 10, 75
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
and his entry into Ethiopia, 182, 183-4, 391, 402-6, 424, 428
dissatisfied with equipment, 403
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, HMS: 156n
Equatorial Corps, Sudan Defence Force: 168n, 397
Equipment: scarcity of, 56, 88, 188-9, 190, 200
Eritrea: see also Frusci
Italian forces in, 430
Eritrean Battalion, 4th: 404
Escort, HMS: 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
–F–
‘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, RAF: 194
Fiona, HMS: 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
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 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
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
diversionary operations of, 150, 154-5
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 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
Formidable, HMS: for Mediterranean Fleet, 321, 327, 385
aircraft attack Massawa, 436-7
Fort Capuzzo: capture of, 113, 118
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
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
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
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
ordered to organize areas of resistance, 429
forces of, 430
responsible only for Eritrea, 431
and battle of Keren, 439-40
Furious, HMS: 232, 253, 324, 344
–G–
Gabbary graving dock: 75
Galatea, HMS: 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
Aosta orders evacuation from, 430-1
Italians withdraw from, 401
Gallant, HMS: 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
Gazelle Force: formation of, 397
patrols of, 399
for attack on Kassala, 399
in pursuit from Kassala, 400
in pursuit from Agordat, 401, 432
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
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 Soviet-German Non-Aggression Pact, 38, 48, 50
and invasion of Poland, 39, 42, 48
policy for war against, 23, 44
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
reinforcement of, 83
defences to be manned, 83
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
Gloria Stella: [.211]
Gloucester, HMS: 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, HMS: 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
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, HMS, 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
plan for defence of, 227-8
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
Greek Army: mobilization of, 226-7, 234
dispositions and state of, 227
Griffin, HMS: 318
Guzzoni, General : reports on Libyan situation, 367, 368
told of German assistance, 367
receives Rommel, 369
–H–
Hague Convention of 1907: 47
Haifa: as naval base, 9-10, 27, 79
air defence of, 79-80, 213, 214
defences to be manned, 83
Haile Selassie: see Emperor of Ethiopia
Hale, Lieutenant-Commander J. W.: 237
Harar: Italian forces at, 93, 418, 430
Hassan Sabry Pasha: 121
Hasty, HMS: 156
HATS: 156n, 161, 162, 191-2, 201-4
Havock, HMS: 156-8
Hawkins, HMS: 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
Hermes, HMS: 137
412n
Hermione: sunk, 160
Hero, HMS: 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
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, HMS: in Force H, 126
in diversionary operations, 155
in operation HURRY, 160
Hostile, HMS: sunk, 162
Hurricane, fighter aircraft: small number of, 113-4
no spares for, 115
compared with C.R.42, 272
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
–I–
Iachino Admiral: 331
Ibn Saud, King of Saudi Arabia: 16, 88
Ilex: HMS: 156-8
Illalos: 173
Illustrious, HMS: 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
airfields in, 69
Iraqi Government: attitude of, 26, 122
Iride: sunk, 164
Isha Baidoa: advance on, 412, 416
Italian Air Force: proximity to Malta, 29
maintenance organization of, 96, 97
compared with RAF, 96-7
first operations of, 113-4
(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
(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
attacks British airfields, 420
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
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:
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
23rd: 361
Divisions:
Ariete, Armoured: 275, 288, 367, 369
Centauro, Armoured: 227, 233, 275
Savoia, the: 166, 430, 433, 448
1st Colonial: 433
1st Libyan: 117, 210, 265, 269-70
2nd Blackshirt: 282
2nd Colonial: 401
3rd Alpini: 233
4th Colonial: 400-1
17th Pavia: 352
27th Brescia: 352
62nd Marmarica: 117, 208, 210, 265, 282
63rd Cirene: 208, 210, 265, 270, 282
Brigades:
12th Colonial: 401
13th Colonial: 420
14th Colonial: 420
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
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
compared with Allies’, 90-1
co-operation with air force, 146, 154, 332
in action off Calabria, 151-4
in action off Cape Spada, 156-8
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
ability to wage war, 38-40, 88
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
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
–J–
Jacomoni, Francesco, Governor of Albania: 225
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
–K–
Karora: loss of, 170
Kaso: landing on, 324-6
Kassala: Italian offensive towards, 89, 168
air attacks on, 169
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, HMS: for Mediterranean Fleet, 156n, 162n
in bombardment of Bardia, 162
and operation HATS, 202
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
frontier operations in, 180-1
air defence of, 213
administration in, 407
Kenya Auxiliary Air Force: 96
Keren: battle of, 391, 396, 432-40
reinforcements for, 431-2
Keyes, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Roger: 308
King’s African Rifles: control of, 31
battalion in British Somaliland, 94, 98
composition of, 180
at Namaraputh, 411
1st Bn: 180
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, HMS: [.417], 441
Kismayu: proposed capture of, 189, 392, 393-5
as a port, 415-6
Aosta decides not to hold, 431
Koryzis, M. Alexander: on composition of British force, 347, 371, 388
text of statement by, 468-9
Kufra: capture of, 297
Kurmuk: air attacks on, 170
Italian sortie from, 398
–L–
Ladybird, HMS: bombardments by, 163, 211, 212, 266, 271, 284
lands water, 280
in Inshore Squadron, 290
damaged, 326
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
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, HMS: 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
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
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
–M–
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, HMS: 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
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
air establishments at, 70
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
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, HMS: 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
reinforcements for, 432
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, RAF: 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
on eve of war, 42, 43, with Italy, 99
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
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 Greece, 225
given ultimatum, 228
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 RAF: 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
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
Mogador: damaged, 136
Mohawk, fighter aircraft: 252, 342
Mombasa: air defence of, 213
threat to, 392
Mombasa-Cairo route: see Nile Valley route
Montreux Convention: 44, 52-3, 111
Moonstone, HMS: 111
Mosul oilfields: defence of, 90
Motor Machine-Gun Companies, Sudan Defence Force: 169
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
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
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 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
–N–
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
Neptune, HMS: 84, 149, 150, 156n
Nessim Government: 4
Newcastle, HMS: 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
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, HMS: 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
campaign in, 87
Nott, Major D. H.: 426
Nubian, HMS: 238
Nyon Conference: 9
–O–
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
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, HMS: 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
Ostro: [.149]
Oswald, HMS: 164n
Overland route, Basra to Haifa: description of, 15, 16, 18
defence of, 49
Owen, Brigadier W.: 411
–P–
Palestine: creation of State, 1
rebellion in, 13-14
conference on, 16-17
communications with Egypt, 19, 64
industries of, 64
as a base, 64
troops in, 93
situation in, 190
Palestine and Transjordan: command in, 31, 32, 63n
administration of troops in, 60
Pandora, HMS: 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, HMS: 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, HMS
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, HMS, F.A.A. shore establishment: 78
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
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
not to go into Ethiopia, 395
reorganizes 5th Indian Division, 397
and campaign of Gideon Force, 424-6
and
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
Non-Aggression Pact with, 38
and Treaty with U.K., 38
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
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
Proteus, HMS: 160
Provence: [.136]
Punjab Regiment:
14th, 3rd Bn: 433n
–Q–
Queen Elizabeth, s.s.: 244n
Queen Elizabeth class: 76, 155
Queen Mary, s.s.: 244n
–R–
Radar: absence of in Mediterranean Fleet, 155, 320
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, HMS: 217
Rajputana Rifles, 6th:
Ramillies, HMS: 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
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, HMS: 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, HMS: 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
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, HMS: at action at Oran, 132n
in diversionary operation, 155
mentioned, 156n
in operation HURRY, 160
Rhodes: air attacks on, 203
Luftwaffe established at, 326
importance of capturing, 343, 344-5, 375
air threat from, 373
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, HMS: 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
aircraft depots for, 70-1
vehicles shortage in, 71-2
reserves in, 72
inadequacy of, 81
strength and state of, 95, 188
in the Sudan, 96, 114, 169, 254, 397, 398, 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
in bombardments of Bardia, 113, 162-3
attacks enemy troops concentrations, 113
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
operations and losses of, 253, 334, 336
(in Western Desert offensive) casualties in, 253, 272
plan for, 261
strikes at airfields, 266, 353
in battle of Sidi Barrani, 272
and capture of Bardia, 253, 278, 284, 286
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
Wings:
No. 254: 169
Squadrons:
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
begins operations, 233
33: in capture of Fort Capuzzo, 113
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
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
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
94: in Red Sea, 114
in loss of British Somaliland, 177
reinforces South African Air Force, 420
for Egypt, 450
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
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 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:
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
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
Royal Sovereign, HMS: arrives in Mediterranean, 84
endurance of 102-3
and action off Calabria, 150-1n, 153
in convoy operations, 154
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
description of, 179
Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry: 214
Rubino: [.149]
Rumania: guarantee to, 25, 31, 52, renounced, 129
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
–S–
Salonika: French project for force at, 50-1, 86-7, 90
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
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, HMS: in Force H, 156n
in convoy operations, 201, 300-1, 316-7
in bombardment of Genoa, 329-30
Shropshire, HMS: 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
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
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
control of, 408
tasks of, 408
(in the Sudan) strength of, 169
Wings:
Squadrons:
No. 1: 169
3: in Kenya, 407
attacks Italian airfields, 413, 421
at Dagabur, 417
in ‘close support flight’, 420
for mopping-up operations, 450
attacks Italian airfields, 411, 413, 421
for mopping-up operations, 450
attacks Italian airfields, 411, 413, 421
for Egypt, 450
24: 450
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, HMS: 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
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
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
Suda Bay: as fleet fuelling base, 99, 110, 228-30
air attacks on, 229
limitations of, 335
Sudan: see also Platt
policy for operations in, 55
administration of troops in, 60
no land threat to, 89
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
Sudan Defence Force: additional battalion for, 62
mentioned, 94
description of, 168-9
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
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, HMS: 47
Support Group (7th Armoured Division): on eve of war with Italy, 97
description of, 105
part of covering force, 118
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
air forces in, 95
reactions to French armistice in, 123, 124, 128
British announcement on, 128
–T–
Tactical Air Forces: 264
Takoradi air route: development of, 126, 195-7
length of sea passage to, 194
aircraft deliveries to by carrier, 195, 232, 253, 324, 344
Tedder reports on, 254
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, HMS: bombardments by, 266, 271, 278, 284, 291
lands water, 280
in Inshore Squadron, 290
Thesiger, Bimbashi W.: 426
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
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
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
Anglo-Turkish Joint Declaration, 25, 26, 31, 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, HMS: 217
Tribal class destroyers: 217
Tripoli: air attacks on, 301, 316
possible advance to, 371-2
Tripolitania: French offensive into, 26, 55, 56, 85
Triton, HMS: 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
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
–U–
Uebi Scebeli: [.148-9]
Um Hagar: Italian forces at, 397
Italians withdraw from, 401
Unique, HMS: 324
United States of America: see also Roosevelt
reactions to Oran, 142
and decision to aid Greece, 389
Upholder, HMS: 324
Upright, HMS: 324
Usk, HMS: 324
Utmost, HMS: 324
–V–
Valiant, HMS: 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
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
–W–
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, HMS: Cs.-in-C. meet in, 34
returns to U.K., 47
visits Istanbul, 50
wears Commander-in-Chief’s flag, 84
in first Fleet operation, 109
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
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 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 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
plans and preparations for, 259-61, 263-5
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
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
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
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
–Y–
Yemen: strategical importance of, 16
York, HMS: 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
–Z–
Zeffiro: 149-50
Zog, King of Albania: 24