A change in plan in Ethiopia

Given the recognition that the current plan was unworkable, due to weather and roads, General Cunningham redirected the 11th African Division to Soddu. He also ordered the 12th African Division to take over on this line, so that the 11th African Division could be used on the road from Addis Ababa to Jimma. This was a road passable in all weather. General Godwin-Austin, who we know from his time in the desert, ordered his division, the 12 African, along the Neghelli road, as the Yavello road was too poor. General Cunningham decided to send the 11th African Division to both Jimma and Soddu, because the 12th African Division was slow to arrive. The 12th African Division was relegated to holding the rear. This is based on the account in Vol.II of the Official History.