26 January 1887: The Dogali massacre

26/01/15

In Eritrea, during the second African campaign, a column of supplies and reinforcement of 548 Army men under the command of Colonel Tommaso De Cristoforis marching towards the Saati garrison subjected to siege by 7000 Abyssinians led by Ras Alula, is attacked and after four hours of fierce fighting even the immense white weapon in the village of Dogali, about 20 km west of Massaua.

Only one officer and 86 soldiers will be saved. The situation will require vigorous action to strengthen local garrisons by sending reinforcements and relocating naval units for defense.

Source: Military Navy