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Richard O’Connor
Person page: Richard O’Connor →
Tag
(05)
1940
December
09
Key event
Operation Compass begins
On 9 December 1940 General O’Connor’s British and Indian troops struck the Italian camps around Sidi Barrani. In three days they took over 38,000 prisoners.
1941
January
21
Key event
The capture of Tobruk
On 21 January 1941 the 6th Australian Division attacked Tobruk. Next day the fortress capitulated and some 25,000 Italians were taken prisoner.
30
The British take Derna
On 30 January 1941 Australians entered Derna unopposed. After a week of stubborn defence on the Wadi Derna, the Italians withdrew to avoid encirclement.
February
07
Key event
The Battle of Beda Fomm
On 5–7 February 1941 the British 7th Armoured Division cut off the 10th Army fleeing Cyrenaica at Beda Fomm. On 7 February its remnants gave up; Tellera died.
April
03
Rommel takes Benghazi
On the night of 3–4 April 1941 the Germans entered abandoned Benghazi. Defying Gariboldi, Rommel pushed on and by 8 April had taken Derna and Mechili.