Picture: National Army Museum. A looted shield from Magdala

British Army regiments are facing a fight over artefacts looted from Ethiopia more than 157 years ago.

Soldiers defeated an Ethiopian emperor during a campaign in 1868.

His fortress capital of Magdala was looted by men from the Royal Engineers and Scots Dragoon Guards, and other units.

Much of the plunder is stored in their regimental museums.

Now, the Ethiopian government is demanding the return of the treasures.

It’s hoping to persuade unit veterans and serving officers, who oversee museums dedicated to regimental history, to hand back the items.

Officials in Addis Ababa ahave approached the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for help with the campaign.

The MoD helps to fund several museums,

Abebaw Ayalew Gella, the director general of the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, said:

“What was taken from Magdala was not something that was found there accidentally.

“This is a very well-planned expedition.

“We call it looting.

“We are working on what is where, and how we can negotiate for its return.”

British soldiers invaded Ethiopia – then Abyssinia – in 1868.

Its Emperor Tewodros II took European hostages in a fit of rage over a letter not being delivered to Queen Victoria.

Sir Robert Napier led the British army to victory at the highland fortress of Magdala.

Emperor Tewodros killed himself and his treasures were taken.

Among others, the Royal Engineers museum, which receives funding from the MoD, holds looted drums, swords, shields, an Ethiopian warrior’s cape, and chains used to secure one of the emperor’s hostages.