Succeeds, defeated Ras Desta to command of Abyssinian southern armies. Following Ras Desta 's heavy defeat in the south, Ras Gabra Mariam has taken over command of the Abyssinian southern armies. A typical Abyssinian chief of Gurague extraction, Ras Mariam, one of the Emperor's most trusted servants, formerly commanded Haile Selassie's personal bodyguard. Promoted to the rank of Dedjasmatch, he became governor of Harar, the southern capital, when Ras Imru was relieved of his command in the Gojjam. Ras Mariam was recalled to the Army when Ras Nasibu machines control in the Harar district. Photo shows, Ras Gabra Mariam, who succeeds Ras Desta to the command of the Abyssinian southern army, a new picture. 21 February 1936