The Italian force attacking British Somaliland in August 1940 was commanded by General Guglielmo Nasi and included five colonial brigades , three Blackshirt battalions , and three bands ( bande ) of native troops . The Italian force attacking British Somaliland in August 1940 was commanded by Lieutenant General Guglielmo Nasi , General Officer Commanding Eastern Sector . The force included twenty-three colonial battalions in five brigades , three Blackshirt battalions , and three bands ( bande ) of native troops .