Title:IL PRIMO COLPO ALL'IMPERO BRITANNICO - LA CONQUISTA DELLA SOMALIA INGLESE [Main Title]
Film Number:COI 41
Other titles:THE FIRST BLOW AGAINST THE BRITISH EMPIRE - THE CONQUEST OF BRITISH SOMALILAND [Translation]
Summary: The first two reels of a record of the Italian conquest of British Somaliland.
Description: Maps illustrate the strategic importance of the area to Britain. Film of the desert terrain show the harsh conditions in which the operations took place. The French and British try to play down the Italian success, but the fascist forces react with actions not words - aircraft, troops and tanks are mobilised; supplies (fuel and water) are built up. The film uses maps to show how the campaign began. General shots of troops (including colonial forces) and armour, protected by Italian aircraft, illustrate the operation. There is fighting between the Italians and local Somali forces. Casualties are taken by ambulance to a military hospital for treatment.
Alternative Title:THE FIRST BLOW AGAINST THE BRITISH EMPIRE - THE CONQUEST OF BRITISH SOMALILAND [Translation]
