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==Italian invasion of Egypt==

==Italian invasion of Egypt==

Even so, Graziani followed Mussolini's orders and the Tenth Army attacked on 13 September 1940. The Italian and Libyan supporting troops advanced over the Libyan/Egyptian border into Egypt. In addition to the Maletti Group, the five attacking infantry divisions included the ''Cirene'', ''Marmarica'', and ''23 Marzo'' Divisions. Elite Arditi advanced ahead of the spearhead, which comprised the two participating Libyan Divisions.

Even so, Graziani followed Mussolini's orders and the Tenth Army attacked on 13 September 1940. The Italian and Libyan supporting troops advanced over the Libyan/Egyptian border into Egypt. In addition to the Maletti Group, the five attacking infantry divisions included the ''Cirene'', ''Marmarica'', and ''23 Marzo'' Divisions. Elite Arditi troops advanced ahead of the spearhead, which comprised the two participating Libyan Divisions.

After recapturing Fort Capuzzo and Halfaya Pass, the Italian and Libyan diviions were bombed and strafed by Royal Air Force (RAF) Wellington and Blenheim bombers from Nos 30, 70, 84 and 211 Squadrons and Gladiators.<ref>"...only a few days after the start of their offensive, the Italian pilots were confronted by the R.A.F. which had sent Nos 30, 211 and 84 Squadrons with Bristol Blenheim bombers, No 80 Sqn with Gloster Gladiator biplane fighters and No 70 Squadron with Vickers Wellington bombers." In the Skies of Europe: Air Forces Allied to the Luftwaffe 1939-1945, Hans Werner Neulen, p. 38, Crowood, 2000</ref>On 16 September, the two Libyan divisions recaptured Sidi Barrani under the cover of a sandstorm. That same day, the invaders stopped at the town of Maktila. The invaders advanced approximately 95 kilometers in three days. The Italians then dug in, fortified their positions, and awaited reinforcements and supplies.

After recapturing Fort Capuzzo and Halfaya Pass, the Italian and Libyan diviions were bombed and strafed by Royal Air Force (RAF) Wellington and Blenheim bombers from Nos 30, 70, 84 and 211 Squadrons and Gladiators.<ref>"...only a few days after the start of their offensive, the Italian pilots were confronted by the R.A.F. which had sent Nos 30, 211 and 84 Squadrons with Bristol Blenheim bombers, No 80 Sqn with Gloster Gladiator biplane fighters and No 70 Squadron with Vickers Wellington bombers." In the Skies of Europe: Air Forces Allied to the Luftwaffe 1939-1945, Hans Werner Neulen, p. 38, Crowood, 2000</ref>On 16 September, the two Libyan divisions recaptured Sidi Barrani under the cover of a sandstorm. That same day, the invaders stopped at the town of Maktila. The invaders advanced approximately 95 kilometers in three days. The Italians then dug in, fortified their positions, and awaited reinforcements and supplies.