on 3 august 1940, british air reconnaissance discovered that about 400 italians had crossed the frontier at biyad; early on 4 august the italian central column was seen advancing on hargeisa and the scc skirmished with the italians, slowly retiring, keeping watch and harassing the advance when possible.the italians advanced in three widely spaced columns, nasi communicating with de simone by wireless and liaison aircraft, the central column heading for tug argan as the flanking columns attempted to deceive the defenders and exploit opportunities as they presented themselves. aerial operations began on the opening day, with aircraft 15 raf squadrons participating.