APPENDIX I 



Native Troops 



In my journey through the ItaHan colony of Erythrea, from the river 

 Mareb, which forms the southern boundary, to the Port of Massowah, I 

 had a good opportunity of studying the organisation of the native troops. 



Since then Major Vittorio EUa, chief of the staff of the Italian 

 royal troops in Africa, has kindly sent me a number of details and 

 photographs of the different units, in the arranging and revising of 

 which, together with my notes, Major Leather of the 5th Fusiliers has 

 helped me greatly. 



The strength of the force is as follows : — 



Cavalry. — One squadron of native cavalry, with a considerable 

 reserve of irregular horse, well mounted and available in case of war. 



Artillery. — Two native batteries of mountain artillery and a 

 company of garrison artillery. 



Infantry. — Three companies of Italian infantry. Six battalions 

 (four companies each) of native troops. 



Engineers. — One company of 200 men, half Italian and the other 

 half native. 



Medical, veterinary, commissariat, and armourers' duties are all 

 performed by Italians, and are in the usual proportion to the above. 



The Royal Colonial Corps is commanded by a colonel appointed 

 from Italy. Count Tronebi, a distinguished staff-officer, well known 

 to many British officers, at present holds this position. This officer 

 acted as military attache on the staff of Lord Kitchener during the 

 recent expedition to Omdurman. He is assisted by a chief of the 

 staff (with the rank of major) and a few officers. The headquarters 

 are situated at Asmara. 



Cavalry. — The squadron of native cavalry is 130 strong, and is 

 447 



