Operation Compass
1st British Offensive in North Africa.

In October 1940, Italian troops pushed aside light British forces at the Egyptian Border with Lybia, advanced some 60 miles to Sidi Barani, and dug in. The British were outnumbered 5:1 in the region and dealing with the Italians advancing in East Africa (Somalia) and could do little more than monitor the Italians while they gathered men and materials in Cairo. When an Italian further advance toward Cairo did not develop (they were severely lacking trucks), General Wavell decided to attack and drive the invaders back into Libya. Compass was launched in December 1940 with a Southern hook west of Sidi Barani and a thrust North to cut the coastal road and bag the Italians in Sidi Barani, What followed was a general retreat by the Italians back to Libya and then a disorderly flight westward towards Tripoli. Surprised at their good fortune, Wavell pursued the enemy into Lybia. Bardia fell on Jan 1, 1941, Tobruk on Jan 22, the pursuit continued toward Derna and Benghazi. Wavell then sent tanks and motorized infantry on an inland route over largely trackless desert to cut off the Italians retreating on the coastal road. At a place called Beda Fomme, the trap was sprung. Despite desperate attempts to break the roadblock, the Italians were bagged. About 150,000 men, 150 tanks, and large numbers of guns , trucks and other war booty fell into captivity.