Item O'CONNOR 4/3/1 - Draft account of the First Libyan campaign, 1940-1941, written by O'Connor, 20 Apr 1941

Original manuscript of the narrative by O'Connor of the First Libyan campaign, 1940-1941 in three parts. Part I includes a detailed account of plans and offensives including battles of Sidi Barrani and Bardia; capture of Tobruk; operations at Mechili; advance on Benghazi; and battle of Beda Fomm. With summary of factors influencing the campaign, including confusion over objectives; valuable use of surprise in offensives; and administrative problems. With comments on significant personalities involved in the campaign. Part II covers Feb-Apr 1941, covering period in Benghazi; return to Cairo as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, British Troops in Egypt; and recall to assist Lt Gen Philip Neame following German attack on Cyrenaica. Part III includes meetings at Barce with Wavell, Neame and Morshead to consider future operations against the German offensive; general withdrawal in early Apr, and disintegration of the 2 Armoured Div; capture by the German reconnaissance group, and details of early captivity. 1 vol