240: North Africa 1940 Pt. 4 - British Build-Up

History of the Second World War

Wesley Livesay

Society & Culture, Documentary, History

4.5 • 626 Ratings

🗓️ 19 November 2025

⏱️ 21 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

As Italy advances into Egypt, Britain quietly prepares its first major offensive — Operation Compass — in this tense buildup episode. We explore the friction between Churchill’s impatient push for victory and General Wavell’s insistence on realistic desert readiness, while massive reinforcements arrive: Matilda tanks, armored regiments, artillery, and supplies all vital to a bold strike through the Enba Gap. You’ll also see how Italy’s disastrous invasion of Greece shifts British priorities — from Egypt to the Balkans — with far-reaching consequences. This is the quiet storm before Operation Compass, where logistics, terrain, and leadership clash in the desert — setting the stage for one of WWII’s most consequential early battles. Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War. History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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1:01.2	Labbrooks.com. Gamblingware.org. Hello everyone and welcome to History of the Second World War, episode 240.
1:18.2	North Africa, 1940 Part 4, British Buildup.
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