Editing Operation Compass (section)

==={{lang|it|Operazione}} E===
{{Main|Italian invasion of Egypt}}

[[File:WWII - British Operation Compass 1940-1941.svg|thumb|{{centre|Operation Compass (enlargeable)}}]]
On 13 September 1940, the Italian [[10th Army (Italy)|10th Army]] advanced into Egypt in {{lang|it|Operazione}} E. As the Italians advanced, the small British force at [[Sollum]] withdrew to the main defensive position east of Mersa Matruh.{{sfn|Mackenzie|1951|pp=26–27}} The Italian advance was harassed by the 3rd Coldstream Guards, attached artillery and other units.{{sfn|Playfair|1957|p=210}} After recapturing [[Fort Capuzzo]], the Italians advanced approximately {{cvt|95|km|order=flip}} in three days and on 16 September, the advance stopped at [[Maktila]], {{cvt|16|km|order=flip}} beyond [[Sidi Barrani]]. The Italians dug in and awaited reinforcements and supplies along the {{lang|it|[[Via della Vittoria]]}}, an extension of the {{lang|it|[[Litoranea Balbo]]}} ({{lang|it|Via Balbia}}) being built from the frontier. Five fortified camps were built around Sidi Barrani from Maktila, {{cvt|24|km|order=flip}} east along the coast, south to Tummar East, Tummar West and Nibeiwa; another camp was built at Sofafi on the escarpment to the south-west.{{sfn|Mackenzie|1951|p=27}}