03. BARENTU. JANUARY 23, 1941

After the success of the British Army in Egypt and Libya there is need to make the Suez Canal safe for shipping so, even as preparations are made to capture Tobruk, three offensives are begun in East Africa with the objective of protecting the Red Sea approaches to the Canal. These offensives will attack Abyssinia and Eritrea from Kenya and Sudan plus a smaller one attacking from Sudan down the Red Sea coast.

You are to take part in the attack on Eritrea. 

The initial attack was intended to be on the border post at Kassala, however the Italians withdrew from the town at the last minute and now the Indian 4th and 5th Divisions are moving rapidly in pursuit, with the ultimate objective being the Red Sea port of Massawa. The initial objectives of this offensive are the Eritrean towns of Agordat and Barentu where the Italians are expected to make a stand - your objective is Barentu, which must be taken for the offensive to continue.

So far the first 100 miles have been easy, since the Italians are withdrawing rapidly over good roads, however they are expected to put up a defense at Barentu; we know that the Italians have plenty of artillery, tanks and armoured cars, not to mention some elite troops. The good news is our air force now has a measure of superiority and you will be provided with whatever aircraft that can be spared.

ORDERS:
Capture Barentu and the surrounding heights and cut the Barentu-Agordat road.

