Day-by-Day Timeline of Events
Sunday, September 1st - September 30th, 1940
Italian forces, led by Marshal Graziani invade Egypt. During the month, the Italian army sets up a series of six defensive positions south of occupied Sidi Barrani known simply as Nibeiwa, Tummar East, Tummar West, North Sofafi, East Sofafi and West Sofafi.
Friday, December 6th - December 8th, 1940
The Western Desert Force in Egypt, under the command of Major-General Richard O'Connor, set up pre-assault positions. The force includes 36,000 total men from the 7th Armored Division, 4th Indian Division and the New Zealand Division. They set up their initial position southeast of the Italian fort at Nibeiwa.
Sunday, December 8th - December 9th, 1940
Aircraft of the Royal Navy are put into action against Italian forces dug in at Maktila and Barrani. Bombers are sent in to soften targets for the initial ground assault.
Monday, December 9th, 1940
Operation Compass is officially launched.
Monday, December 9th, 1940
The British 7th Armored Division launches attacks on the Italian camps positioned near Sofafi and Rabia and makes its way toward the critical ocean-side road near Buqbug.
Monday, December 9th, 1940
The British 7th Tank Regiment, along with the 4th Indian Division, attack Italian positions at Tummar West and Nibeiwa.
Tuesday, December 10th, 1940
The Italian camps at Tummar East fall to the Allies.
Tuesday, December 10th, 1940
Italian forces stationed at Sidi Barrani are all but surrounded by the Allies.
Tuesday, December 10th, 1940
Selby Force has removed the Italian 1st Libyan Division out of Maktila.
Tuesday, December 10th, 1940
Selby Force sets its eyes on Sidi Barrani.
Tuesday, December 10th, 1940
The Italian XXI Corps is in full retreat.
Tuesday, December 10th, 1940
Some 38,000 Italian soldiers are taken prisoner by the Allies.
Wednesday, December 11th, 1940
Royal Navy bombers begin attacks on Italian-held Sollum.
Wednesday, December 11th, 1940
The Italian Catanzaro Division is captured, delivering another 30,000 Italian prisoners of war.
Wednesday, January 22nd, 1941
The Allies take Tobruk, a key port city vital to North Africa operations.
Wednesday, January 22nd, 1941
Operation Compass is effectively over, netting some 130,000 total Italian prisoners.