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Operation Compass was a successful series of attacks made by British forces that forced Italian troops out of Egypt. The attacks lasted from December 8, 1940 to February 9, 1941. Before the operation began, Italian forces had been raiding British lines in Egypt following Italy's declaration of war on June 10, 1940.

Then on September 13, 1940 Italian troops attacked Egypt with over seven divisions. The original plan was for Libya's governor Marshal Italo Balbo to capture the Suez Canal although Balbo hesitated. Balbo died on the 28th during a friendly fire incident that is still controversial. His replacement followed the orders Benito Mussolini and attacked. They met mixed resistance and in only three days, the advance stopped.