Operation Compass (dec 8, 1940 – feb 9, 1941)
Description:
Following Italy's June 10, 1940, declaration of war on Great Britain and France, Italian forces in Libya began raiding across the border into British-held Egypt. These raids were encouraged by Benito Mussolini who wished the Governor-General of Libya, Marshal Italo Balbo, to launch a full scale offensive with the goal of capturing the Suez Canal. After Balbo's accidental death on June 28, Mussolini replaced him with General Rodolfo Graziani and gave him similar instructions. At Graziani's disposal were the Tenth and Fifth Armies which consisted of around 150,000 men.
Added to timeline:
The incomplete timeline of WWII
Date:
