(The Water War) In January 1941, Commonwealth forces went on the offensive to invade Mussolini's East African empire. The Italian command hoped to take advantage of the logistical constraints of such an enterprise. On the arid Somali front for example, access to drinking water was a key issue and local Banda auxiliary detachments therefore defended the main wells. The bulk of the troops, including for example artillery pieces and armored vehicles, remained largely behind. But the attackers did not only engage light troops even if Ethiopian patriots accompanied the King's African Rifles. The robust South African armored cars served at the forefront of the offensive and often proved decisive against poorly prepared indigenous fighters.
Attacker: Commonwealth (22nd East African Brigade with No. 2 Platoon of No. 2 S.A. Armoured Car Company)
