Mackay and the Australians at Bardia

After the Italian collapse at Sidi Barrani, Operation Compass drives on into Libya. The fortress of Bardia, in Cyrenaica, defended by four Italian divisions under General Bergonzoli ('Electric Whiskers'), bars the road to Tobruk. Its defenses are serious: a perimeter of fortifications, anti-tank ditches, barbed wire and minefields.

The 6th Australian Division of Major-General Iven Mackay is to make the assault — the first of the war under Australian command. But the division is under strength, short of tanks, and must rely on a handful of British heavy Matildas and on artillery. The doctrine calls for breaching the perimeter, neutralizing the enemy artillery, and then passing the armor through.

Mackay must decide how to attack a fortified position with limited means: launch the frontal assault as soon as possible despite his incomplete forces; wait for reinforcements and stronger armored support at the risk of letting the enemy recover; or settle for a siege. The pressure of the timetable — Tobruk must follow at once — weighs on the decision.