North African Campaign Part #2🎙️ Operation Compass

Echoes of War (Formerly The Pacific War Channel Podcast)

In this gripping episode of the Pacific War Channel Podcast host Craig Watson and co-host Gaurav dive deep into the Italian invasion of Egypt during World War II, which turned out to be a colossal failure. They discuss the series of events leading to the ill-fated Operation Compass, initially intended as a limited raid but morphing into a major counteroffensive by the British.

The episode begins by setting the stage with Mussolini's opportunistic decisions following the fall of France and Italy's unpreparedness for war. The hosts then explore the Italian military's logistical nightmares and underestimation of British capabilities. They highlight the disastrous Italian attempt at seizing Egypt and the Suez Canal, a crucial gateway for Mediterranean control.

Listeners will learn about the Italian army's deficiencies, including outdated equipment and poor communication, juxtaposed against the British forces' superior tanks, effective logistics, and innovative tactics. The episode culminates with the dramatic and decisive British victories during Operation Compass, which saw the capture of thousands of Italian soldiers and the lifting of the threat to Egypt.

Join Craig and Gaurav as they unravel this lesser-known but pivotal chapter of World War II, shedding light on the complexities and strategies of desert warfare.