Operation Compass

Operation Compass, during World War II, was a British military operation, under the command of Major-General O'Connor, intended to attack the Italian lines. Many of the troops involved were initially of the understanding that this was merely an exercise. The attack was supported by 25-pounder artillery and Blenheim bombers and was centered around the advance of Mark-Two Matilda tanks. Within an hour of the onset of combat, Italian General Maletti would be dead and 4,000 of his troops would surrender.

Quotes

• Bonner Fellers
  • "General Wavell told me they were going to do manoeuvres, so I went up as an observer, and God dammit - it was the works."