Operation Compass (also Italian: Battaglia della Marmarica) was the first large British military operation of the Western Desert Campaign (1940–1943) during the Second World War.

Aug 1, 2024 · Operation Compass (9 Dec 1940 to 7 Feb 1941) was an Allied offensive in North Africa, which pushed Italian forces out of Egypt and then Cyrenaica (Eastern Libya).

Field Marshal Sir Archibald Wavell was given command of the entire North African and Middle Eastern area of operation in the summer of 1939. His areas of responsibility stretch from …

As the Italian invasion into British-occupied Egypt slowed to a halt in Sep 1940, Archibald Wavell ordered British Troops Egypt Lieutenant General Henry Wilson to begin planning a limited …

In Operation Compass (1940), you see how the Allies executed a swift and decisive counter-offensive, shattering Italian lines in North Africa. The British exploited Italian weaknesses, …

Mar 6, 2017 · Launched in December 1940, Operation Compass was the first major campaign of World War II in the Western Desert and saw the British drive the Italians back through Libya.

In Egypt, June 1940 saw the armoured cars of the 11th Hussars (Prince Albert’s Own) under Lt Col John Combe close to the frontier. With instructions to ‘raise hell’ they conducted a series …

The Italians were not up to the task as 150,000 troops fell to some 36,000 Allied soldiers during Operation Compass in the North African campaign. In September of 1940, Italian forces laid a …

Dec 9, 2025 · Operation Compass was a resounding success for British forces, bolstering morale and providing crucial supplies and equipment. This victory also served to highlight the …

Operation Compass (also Italian: Battaglia della Marmarica) was the first large British military operation of the Western Desert Campaign (1940–1943) during the Second World War.