Operation Compass commenced with British and Indian forces launching an unexpected assault on Italian positions near Sidi Barrani, Egypt. The operation was part of a broader campaign to reclaim territories held by Axis powers in North Africa. Major-General Richard O'Connor commanded the 7th Armoured Division and other units, leveraging a carefully crafted plan that emphasized mobility and surprise. With elements of surprise on their side, O'Connor's forces struck at dawn, overwhelming Italian defenses that had been poorly prepared for such an offensive.

The British strategy relied on speed and the effective use of armoured units, including the renowned Matilda tanks, which provided the necessary firepower against the Italian defensive positions. Over the next few days, British forces recaptured the town and inflicted heavy casualties on the Italian army, capturing approximately 130,000 Italian troops, effectively dismantling their primary formations in the Western Desert. This victory emboldened the Allies and shifted the balance of power in the region.

The initial success of Operation Compass not only provided the Allies with crucial territory but also served as a significant morale boost for Allied forces engaged in various fronts during World War II. As a result, the operation marked the beginning of the series of engagements that would characterize the North African Campaign, illustrating the effectiveness of combined arms strategy and the importance of surprise in military operations.