Field Mass in Rome commemorates Adowa as Italy ' s forces advance in Abyssinia . Whilst Italy s armies were crashing forward in the Tembien , King Victor Rumsenbel and Signor Mussolini were present at a field mass celebrated before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Rome to commemorate the battle of Adowa 40 years ago , when the Italian forces were crushingly defeated . Photo shows the scenes at the mass . 3 March 1936