Desert War

Italy’s desert campaign

June 10 1940, Mussolini declares war on Britain and France

Autumn 1940, Italy sends 250,000 troops into Libya, and another 300,000 into Ethiopia.

British forces led by General Archibald Wavell placed the defence of the Egyptian border to a small screening force

Italian Advance

Graziani’s advance, 13th-16th September 1940

Why Italy invaded

Win back land in North Africa

Glory days of the Roman empire

Wanted to engage the British on an extra front

‘Once again I repeat there are no territorial objectives. It is not a question of aiming for Alexandria nor even Sallum. I am only asking that you attack the British forces facing you.’ (Mussolini)