Presentation Title: Training, Communications and Logistics in the First Libyan Campaign
Theme: Military History
Presenter: Mr Peter Davis

As part of my PhD thesis on how 35,000 Allied troops came to conquer 135,000 Italian troops during the First Libyan Campaign in North Africa, recent chapters cover tactics, training, communications and logistics.

The tactics employed by the protagonists were markedly different with telling results as the campaign developed from ponderous easterly Italian advance to disorganised retreat in the face of asymmetric Allied pressure. 

Analysis of training quality and systems similarly highlights deep seated problems for the Italians and the clear advantages that effective training delivered for the Allied forces. Deficiencies in Italian communications influenced all facets of Mussolini’s 10th Army operations but none more so than his army’s lack of battlefield intelligence which caused General Graziani to be repeatedly surprised as Wavell’s Operation Compass destroyed the ten Italian divisions. Failures of Italian logistics emphasised the weaknesses of the fascist political and industrial systems as Mussolini strove to fulfil his dream of a new Roman Empire in the unforgiving deserts of North Africa. 

The ultimate destruction of Mussolini’s 10th Army at Beda Fomm on 9 February 1941 was not the simple result of Italian cowardice nor ANZAC heroism but the outcome of flawed Italian political and industrial systems applied to a backward-looking military that had failed to evolve from WWI. They faced a well-trained and equipped force skilled in the art of modern warfare.

Analysis of the tactics, training, communications and logistics used by both sides supports this argument.           

Peter Davis is a PhD candidate studying the 1940/41 First Libyan Campaign in North Africa. He completed an MPhil in history with ADFA in 2013. Peter is a trek leader in PNG where he has led 42 expeditions with most being on the Kokoda Track. He is a private pilot and a volunteer Air Attack Supervisor with the NSW RFS. His day job is running a 5,000 acre sheep property near Cooma.