In 1935, at the time of the Italian invasion, as the "Shum" of Kaffa Province, "Ras" Getachew Abate commanded the Army of Kaffa. On 31 March 1936, "Ras" Getachew Abate and the Army of Kaffa was with Emperor Haile Selassie at the Battle of Maychew. When the "Kebur Zabangna" was sent against the Italians at Maychew, Getachew Abate commanded them. As the Battle of Maychew came to an end, Getachew Abate was named by the Emperor as "Asmach". In command of the rear guard, he withdrew with the Emperor from Maychew to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.