1868 Expedition to Abyssinia

From Freepedia

The British 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia was a punitive expeditionj against the Abyssinian Emperor Tewodros II, also known as the Emperor Theodore. Tewodros had written to the British Government requesting their help in his wars with his neighbours. When his communication was not responded to, he took offence and made prisoners of a number of British officials and missionaries.

After some unsuccessful attempts at negotiation, a force of approximately 12,000 men from the British and Indian armies was despatched under the command of Sir Robert Napier to free the captives. The force landed at Zoola on the Red Sea, and marched south to Tewodros' capital at Magdala. A battle took place outside this citadel on April 13, 1868, in which the defending forces were routed with few injuries and no deaths on the British side, though many on the defenders. Tewodros committed suicide and the prisoners were released. The expedition's objectives having been acheived, the invaders returned home. Napier was created Baron Napier of Magdala in recognition of his achievement.