Operation Compass 1940

Wavell's whirlwind offensive

Operation Compass 1940 cover

Description

The first battle of the desert war, Operation Compass was originally envisaged as a spoiling attack, combined with a reconnaissance in force to disrupt the Italian forces that had advanced into Egypt in September 1940. Lt Gen. Richard O'Connor launched what amounted to a British 'Blitzkrieg'. In less than two months the British forces swept 500 miles along the coast of North Africa. 7th Armoured Division raced across the desert to cut off the retreating Italians, and O'Connor's men destroyed 9 Italian divisions, and took 130,000 prisoners. In March 1941 General Rommel and the Afrikakorps landed at Tripoli.

Product details

Published Aug 20 2013
Format Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition 1st
Extent 96
ISBN 9781472805409
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 87 b/w; 12 col
Series Campaign
Short code CAM 73
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Illustrator

Jim Laurier

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives i…

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