Abyssinia (battle honour)

Abyssinia is a battle honour awarded to military units, primarily within the British and Commonwealth armed forces, for service in military campaigns conducted in Abyssinia (present-day Ethiopia). The specific campaigns for which this honour was granted vary depending on the unit and the period.

Commonly, the honour refers to participation in the 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia, led by Robert Napier, 1st Baron Napier of Magdala, against Emperor Tewodros II. This expedition aimed to secure the release of British diplomats and missionaries held captive by Tewodros. The campaign culminated in the Battle of Magdala, after which Tewodros committed suicide.

Later, during the Second World War, the honour "Abyssinia" (or potentially more specific honours relating to the campaign) might be awarded for participation in the East African Campaign (1940-1941) against Italian forces occupying the region. This campaign involved a coordinated effort by British Commonwealth forces, supported by Ethiopian patriots, to liberate Ethiopia.

The right to bear the battle honour "Abyssinia" on regimental colours, guidons, or standards, signifies a unit's distinguished participation in the specified campaign or campaigns. The exact criteria for earning the honour and the specific regiments that received it are determined by the respective military authorities of the awarding nation (e.g., the British Army's Honours and Distinctions Committee). Detailed information regarding specific units and their battle honours can be found in regimental histories and official military records.