Rodolfo Graziani Biography

Stopped by the British defences at Mersa Matruh

Stopped by the British defences at Mersa Matruh

Leads the Italian Tenth Army, nearly 250,000, into Egypt

Leads the Italian Tenth Army, nearly 250,000, into Egypt

Rodolfo Graziani and 5 Italian divisions began a rapid advance into Egypt

Orders the Italian advance from Libya into Egypt, beginning a campaign aimed at threatening British positions guarding the Suez Canal.

The Italians are driven out of Egypt in the 1st major british offensive of the War

The retreating Italian Tenth Army is defeated at Beda Fomm, completing the British conquest of Cyrenaica during Operation Compass.

The British Operation Compass campaign destroys much of the Italian Tenth Army and forces the loss of Cyrenaica.

Joins Mussolini's Italian Social Republic as Minister of National Defence.

Accepts responsibility for rebuilding armed forces loyal to the Italian Social Republic.

Begins efforts to recruit and organize armed forces for the Italian Social Republic.

Works with German authorities to create military formations for Mussolini's new regime.

Promotes recruitment and reconstruction of armed units for the Italian Social Republic.