8th of December 1940 - Operation Compass (Italian positions)

The Italians built a series of strongly fortified camps on a perimeter from Maktila on the coast following a southwesterly arc to Sofafi about 40 miles away. Each camp was surrounded by antitank obstacles and mines and was garrisoned by an infantry brigade with tanks and artillery in support. One evident shortcoming noted by O’Connor was that the fortified camps were too widely spaced to be mutually supporting. With the Italians stationary, it became apparent to the Western Desert Force leadership that they must begin thinking of attacking the enemy rather than waiting to deliver a knockout blow as the Italians approached Mersa Matruh.
The Italian Tenth Army is represented by Lineol, Durso and Elastolin soldiers made in 30s/50s. The cannon is probably Hausser from 30s.

  

              Italian troops crossing the desert in Libya. Photograph, 1940.