19 August 1940 - British Somaliland Falls to the Italians

Following the invasion of British Somaliland, launched on 4 August 1940, and the Battle of Tug Argan, 11-18 August, Italian forces under the command of the Duke d'Aosta have driven the small British Commonwealth contingent out of the country. The Commonwealth troops made their escape from the port of Berbera across the Red Sea to Aden - the retreat was covered by the 2nd Black Watch and a detachment of the King's African Rifles. This small campaign was heralded by Italian propaganda machine as a great military success against the Allies, although the cost proved heavy - 2,052 killed or missing compared to British losses of only 250 men.

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