The story of the liberation of Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia) after its invasion by Mussolini's Italian forces. Covers events from the formation of the Patriot Army which helped the British Army to drive out the Italians, to the entry of Emperor Haile Selassie, accompanied by Colonel Orde Wingate, into Addis Ababa.

Documentary has no military action scenes but includes film of Emperor's visit to Ficce, Dabra Libanos (scene of Italian massacre of Ethiopian Coptic monks in May 1937), and shows Colonel Wingate (leader of Gideon Force comprising Sudan Defence Force and 2nd Ethiopian Battalion) beside Haile Selassie, Head of British Military Mission to Abyssinia Colonel Daniel Sandford, and General Alan Cunningham. On 5 May 1941 Haile Selassie surveys his reconquered capital, then with a guard of honour from the Nigerian Regiment at the Palace steps, receives the Patriot troops of Ras Ababa Aragai, who addresses his Emperor. Film concludes with Haile Selassie (earlier seen with the Crown Prince) speaking live to camera in English, "It is good that even in the twentieth century David will still beat Goliath".

Notes

Script: probably written by George Steer, war correspondent based in Cairo who accompanied Gideon Force, and drafted Emperor's speech delivered on his return to Addis Ababa. (Surmise based on conversation with Gideon Force authority Sir Peter Leslie, 26/5/2004).