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Operation Compass 1940

Wavell's whirlwind offensive
Series: Campaign
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Operation Compass 1940 by Jon Latimer offers a detailed account of the first major Allied military operation in the Western Desert Campaign during the Second World War. The book examines the strategic planning and execution by the British and Commonwealth forces against the Italian army in North Africa. It provides insights into the operational tactics and the pivotal moments that led to a significant early victory for the Allies.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by strategic military operations and the early battles of World War II. It offers a detailed exploration of the first major Allied offensive against Axis forces in North Africa, blending tactical analysis with human stories from the conflict.

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Why were Rommel and the Afrikakorps sent to North African in March 1941? This book gives you the answers.

A highly illustrated, absorbing account of the first battle of the desert war: the British against the Italians

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A highly illustrated, absorbing account of the first battle of the desert war: the British against the Italians.

Operation Compass 1940 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. Lieutenant General 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. The 7th Armoured Division raced across the desert to cut off the retreating Italians, and O'Connor's men destroyed 9 Italian divisions, taking 130,000 prisoners.

In March 1941, General Rommel and the Afrikakorps landed at Tripoli.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781855329676

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 August 2000

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Osprey Publishing

Illustration: 87 b/w; 12 col

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Jim Laurier

Audience: General / adult, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 8.0mm

Width: 184.0mm

Height: 248.0mm

Weight: 325g

Pages: 96

About the Author

Jon Latimer is a serving officer with the Royal Welch Fusiliers (TA) and has a number of articles published on military history in British Army Review, Military History and World War II. He has carried out extensive research into the war in the desert.

Jim Laurier is a native of New Hampshire. He graduated with honours from the Paiers School of Art, Connecticut, in 1978 and has worked as a freelance illustrator ever since, completing assignments in a wide variety of fields. Jim has a keen interest in military subjects, both aviation and armour, and is a Fellow member of the American Society of Aviation Artists, the New York Society of Illustrators and the American Fighter Aces Association.

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