1940 ⟶ Italian Advance into Egypt Stalls
After re-taking Fort Capuzzo just inside Libya, Italian colo...
Year
1940
🇮🇹 Italian Advance into Egypt Stalls
After re-taking Fort Capuzzo just inside Libya, Italian colonial forces cross the border and advance into Egypt. The Italians take the small port of Sollum, but the only resistance to the invasion is a light British screening force which withdraws as the Italians advance.⟶
North AfricaItalian ArmyEgyptInvasionColonialismMilitary CampaignSollumFort Capuzzo
🇮🇹 Italian Forces Capture British Somaliland
Italian forces take Berbera, the capital of British Somaliland and the British defenders flee to Aden. The fall of Berbera completes the invasion of the British colony. By the end of the month, the Italians control British Somaliland and several towns and forts along the border with Sudan and Kenya including Kassala, Gallabat, and Moyale.⟶
ItalyBritish SomalilandAfricaColonialismInvasionEast Africa CampaignMilitary CampaignAxis PowersWar in Africa
🇮🇹 Italy Invades Egypt
During the Western Desert Campaign, Italian colonial forces in Libya under General Mario Berti launch the invasion of Egypt. The first objective is to advance from defensive positions within Libya to the border with Egypt.⟶
Western Desert CampaignNorth AfricaItalyEgyptMilitary OffensiveColonial ForcesAxis PowersWorld War II
🏜️ Italian Advance Stalls at Sidi Barrani
The Italian invasion of Egypt comes to a halt when approximately five Italian divisions set up defensively in a series of armed camps after advancing about 95 km (59 mi) to Sidi Barrani. The Italians never approach the main British positions at Mersa Matruh.⟶
North AfricaItalian ArmyEgyptSidi BarraniMilitary CampaignDefensive PositionsMersa MatruhInvasion
🇮🇹 Italian Defeat in Egypt
In North Africa, over 39,000 Italians lost or captured in Egypt.⟶
EgyptNorth AfricaItalyMilitaryDefeatWorld War IIAfrica
🛡️ British Forces Secure Sollum and Fort Capuzzo
In North Africa, the British are in command at Sollum in Egypt and take Fort Capuzzo in Libya.⟶
North AfricaSollumFort CapuzzoBritish ArmyLibyaEgyptmilitary campaigndesert warfare