4/1-4/5 Commander of 6 Division and Western Desert Force, 1940-1941, and POW in Italy, 1941-1943

Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives

Copyright: The texts of the detailed catalogues are the copyright of King's College London and are made available for private research only.

OCONNOR: 4/1-4/5 Commander of 6 Division and Western Desert Force, 1940-1941, and POW in Italy, 1941-1943

OCONNOR: 4/1/1-133 Semi-official correspondence, Mersa Matruh fortress, September 1939-October 1940

OCONNOR: 4/1/1 1939 Sep 13-1940 Oct 26

Cover for correspondence file with lists of correspondents and dates of letters. 5pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/2 1939 Sep 13

Letter to Lt Col J C O Marriott, Cdr, 2 Bn Scots Guards in praise of the turnout of his Guard of Honour in the presence of the King of Egypt. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/3 1939 Sep 16-1939 Sep 18

Letter to A Mowafy Bey, Cdr of Western Desert Brigade, Egyptian Army, concerning planned discussion on anti-tank defences; use of telephone line by the British and Egyptian Armies between Alexandria and Mersa Matruh; and speed limit on the road east from Matruh. With Mowafy Bey's reply. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/4 1939 Sep 20, 1939 Sep 21

Letter to Mowafy Bey referring to proposed tour by Assistant Director Medical Services Col Smyth of the medical layout of the Centre and Left sectors of Mersa Matruh. With Mofawy Bey's reply. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/5 1939 Sep 21

Letter to Cdr, CB (no other details) commenting on machine and Bren gun defences on the front and second lines at Mersa Matruh. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/6 1939 Oct 3

Instructions from Col W G Campbell, Assistant Adjutant and Quarter Master General of 7 Div for organisation of the Mess in the event of war and departure of 7 Div. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/7 1939 Oct 21

Directive issued by 18 Infantry Bde and Cairo District HQ concerning precautions for military security in Cairo. 4pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/8 1939 Dec 12

Letter to Lt Col W St B Mirlees, Cdr 3 Regt, Royal Horse Artillery in appreciation of the work of P Battery in Matruh. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/9 1939 Dec 27, 1940 Jan 2

Letter from Brig A R Selby at HQ, British Troops in Egypt in Cairo enclosing a review of the Italian defensive system in Eastern Cyrenaica. With O'Connor's covering letter, returning the review. (Review not included). 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/10 1939 Dec 30, 1940 Feb 12

Papers relating to the Mareth defence line, including notes on wiring, anti tank defences, concrete dug outs and camouflage. With sketches of defence arrangements including of anti tank obstacles, guns on a fixed mounting, machine gun pill box and company post arrangements. 7pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/11 1940 Jan 2

Letter to Brig J T Leslie, Cdr 22 Infantry Bde, advising him that he will be in charge of the Div in O'Connor's absence until 18 Jan, and referring to reconnaissance of areas for temporary evacuation of the garrison and need for disguise of loopholes on pillboxes. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/12 1940 Jan 14, 1940 Feb 11

Correspondence with Maj Percival Groves referring to Groves' hopes for employment in the army, and advising him to contact Gen Wavell. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/13 1940 Jan 19-1940 Jan 26

Correspondence with Royal Army Ordnance Corps in Cairo and Mofawy Bey, concerning issue of Indian Pattern Cardigans to Egyptian officers. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/14 1940 Jan 26

Letters to Mofawy Bey referring to his departure from Matruh and in appreciation of relations between British and Egyptians troops; and planned manning exercises. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/15 1940 Jan 26

Letter to Selby, requesting information on changes to anti tank defences. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/16 1940 Jan 26

Letters to Brig J T Leslie, referring to turnout and saluting, alarm signals for air raids, camouflage for the garrison; and need to keep secret from the Egyptians the evacuation scheme. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/17 1940 Jan 26-1940 Feb 10

Correspondence with Brig E F Tickell, Chief Engineer at HQ, British Troops in Egypt, referring to transfers from Matruh of Col Peter Ullman, Commander, Royal Engineers and 2 Field Company. 6pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/18 1940 Jan 29

Letter to Maj I K Price, Royal Army Service Corps in Alexandria, thanking him for arrangements made for travel to Matruh. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/19 1940 Jan 29

Letter to Mofawy Bey, referring to interference in firing of the 6-pounder anti tank guns caused by sandbags. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/20 1940 Feb 1, 1940 Feb 18, 1940 Mar 5

Messages referring to the departure of Brig Alexander Galloway for Palestine, plans for the reconnaissance of Siwa and the arrival of Wavell, and the probable future location of 6 Div in Jaffa. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/21 1940 Feb 10

Letter to Lt Gen Sir Henry Maitland Wilson, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, British Troops in Egypt, referring to Wilson's intended visit and offering him a tour of the defences of Matruh. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/22 1940 Feb 10

Letter to Brig J T Leslie, in praise of the manning exercise by 22 Infantry Bde and referring to Matruh's shortage of a battalion. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/23 1940 Feb 29

Letters to Miralai Zakki Kamal Bey, Cdr of Western Desert Brigade and Ali Bey Shaheen, Governor of the Western Desert on leaving Matruh and in appreciation of Egyptian-British relations. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/24 1940 May 13

Letter from Col Peter Ullman, referring to his imminent reappointment as Commander, Royal Engineers, 6 Div. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/25 1940 May 25

Letter to Brig C E N Lomax, Cdr 16 Infantry Bde in Palestine in appreciation of the work of Capt F C C Graham, Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders during a recent exercise (not specified). 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/26 1940 Jun 19

Letter to Maj Gen Michael O'Moore Creagh, Cdr 7 Armoured Div including employment of 60-pounder guns, use of the Welch bayonets in the Azzeiz operation and Highland Light Infantry. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/27 1940 Jun 20

Letter to Maj Gen B C Freyberg, Cdr 4 New Zealand Div in Egypt in praise of the work of New Zealand Signals. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/28 1940 Jun 20

Letter to Col J C O Marriott at HQ Middle East, in praise of the work of his ADC (not named). 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/29 1940 Jun 20

Letter to Lt Col C Knowles, Cdr 6 Divisional Signals in Palestine referring to the full quota of Signals at HQ. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/30 1940 Jun 20, 1939 Jun 23

Letters to Wilson, outlining general policy including local offensive plans in Azzeiz, Giarabub and Bardia; administration, including communications, supplies; defensive measures, including anti tank defences at Naghamish Nullah, and air defences; and position of the Support Group. With reply from Selby, comprising Wilson's comments. 4pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/31 1940 Jun 20

Letter from Selby concerning intended operations in Giarabub, including suugestions for the use of dummy vehicles. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/32 1940 Jun 20-1940 Jun 23

Messages concerning the proposed visit of Brig Napier Clavering, to discuss administrative matters. 4pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/33 1940 Jun 21, 1940 Jun 23

Letter from Creagh, referring to Highland Light Infantry, operations in Giarabub and the naval attack on Bardia. With mileage report summary on vehicles of 11 and 7 Hussars and HQ of 7 and 4 Armoured Bde; and appreciation by Creagh dated 20-21 Jun including enemy and 7 Div positions, objectives to isolate Bardia and Giarabub and operational plans. 7pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/34 1940 Jun 23

Letter to Lt Col H L Birks at 7 Armoured Div HQ, referring to an incident involving the RAF (not specified). 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/35 1940 Jun 23

Letter to Creagh, including plans to visit regimental HQs at the front and transfer of the Support Group to Sidi Barrani. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/36 1940 Jun 23

Letter to Brig W L Lloyd, Cdr, line of communication sub area referring to the need to disperse stores in case of heavy bombing. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/37 1940 Jun 24

Letter from John Shearer, General Staff Intelligence, General HQ in Palestine concerning the return of Italian women to Italy. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/38 1940 Jun 24

Letter from Brig Edward Puttick, Cdr 4 Infantry Bde at HQ, New Zealand Div concerning training and digging duty planned for 18 and 19 (New Zealand) Bns in Matruh, and their relief. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/39 1904 Jun 27-1940 Jun 30

Papers relating to Capt Dent, O'Connor's ADC, including message and letter to Lt Gen G J Giffard, Cdr British Troops in Palestine and Transjordan concerning the transfer to Cairo. With letter to Dent, referring to Dent's plans to attend a cipher course. 5pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/40 1940 Jun 28

Letters to Maj Gen I G Mackay, Cdr 6 Australian Div and Brig A S Allen, Cdr 16 Australian Infantry Bde both in Palestine, referring to association with 16 Bde, and current situation in the Western Desert as a battle between British mobile troops and enemy advanced posts. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/41 1940 Jun 28

Letter to Lt Col G H N Todd, Cdr of The Greys in Palestine, referring to responsibility for 20,000 square miles in the Western Desert. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/42 1940 Jun 28

Letter to Lt Col I D Erskine, referring to the illness of Capt Dent and requesting a replacement ADC. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/43 1940 Jun 28

Letter to Lt Col F R Heyworth, Cdr of The Royals in Palestine, referring to Heyworth's back injury and his own shoulder injury. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/44 1940 Jun 28

Letter from Maj Victor Paley at HQ, British Troops in Egypt, Cairo, enclosing a copy of a Middle East Intelligence Summary (not included) with instructions for its disposal. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/45 1940 Jun 29

Letter to Air Cdre Raymond Collishaw, Air Officer Commanding 202 Group in Egypt in appreciation of assistance given by the RAF during recent operations. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/46 1940 Jun 29, 1940 Jul 3

Correspondence with Selby at HQ, British Troops in Egypt, concerning reports of Italian transports entering Tobruk and Derna, and spasmodic bombardment by the RAF of Bardia and Tobruk. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/47 1940 Jun 29, 1940 Jun 30

Correspondence with Creagh and Selby, including communications difficulties; postponement of operations in Giarabub due to enemy advances in the Capuzzo-Azzeiz area; effective aerial attacks by Italians on armoured cars of 11 Hussars; and necessity for Bren gun mountings on light tanks. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/48 1940 Jun 30

Letter to Lt Col C Warren at GHQ, Middle East referring to recent visit by members of the press to examine relations between British and Egyptian troops at Mersa Matruh. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/49 1940 Jun 30, 1940 Jul 4

Correspondence with Puttick, referring to future work of New Zealand Bns at Mersa Matruh including anti tank pyramids, and their planned relief by troops at Gerawla. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/50 1940 Jul 4

Letter to Creagh referring to policy of 202 Group, RAF including use of bombers to attack enemy aircraft and aerodromes rather than military targets and enemy troops; fighters as escorts in land operations and observation, rather than in strafing missions; and Army Cooperation Aircraft, controlled by Western Desert Force and used for observation, ground strafing and dive bombing. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/51 1940 Jul 4-1940 Jul 11

Correspondence with Creagh, including condition of armoured vehicles in 7 Armoured Div, particularly spares for Cruiser tanks; defence against Italian anti tank guns; and water supply in Sidi Barrani. 7pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/52 1940 Jul 10

Copy of letter from Selby to Creagh, suggesting transfer to Creagh of de Butts as General Staff Officer 3, Intelligence. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/53 1940 Jul 10

Letter from Creagh, including suggested use of 3.7" Howitzer as solution to Italian anti tank operations. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/54 1940 Jul 11, 1939 Jul 12

Correspondence with Selby, relating to the transfer of six Bofors equipments and twenty Boyes rifles to the forward Ordnance dump at Matruh. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/55 1940 Jul 11

Letter from Selby, referring to replacement of vehicles of 7 Armoured Div and organisation of the modified Ordnance Field Park as a Corps unit. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/56 1940 Jul 12

Letter to Selby, referring to the construction of pyramids rather than trenches due to the hard ground. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/57 1940 Jul 19

Letter to Leslie, referring to arrival of reliefs and transfer of Coldstream Guards to Matruh. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/58 1940 Jul 22

Letter from Gen Sir Philip Neame at HQ, 4 Indian Div concerning the transfer of O'Brien to command 2 Line Mechanised Transport. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/59 1940 Jul 22-1940 Jul 26

Messages relating to the arrival of Creagh and Wavell at Western Desert Force. 7pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/60 1940 Jul 24

Message concerning arrival of the Engineer-in-Chief (not named) at Matruh, to discuss demolition explosives. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/61 1940 Jul 25, 1940 Jul 30

Letter to Sqn Ldr D V Johnson, Cdr 33 Sqn RAF, referring to the recent engagement with eighteen Italian fighters, destroying four without loss. With Johnson's reply. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/62 1940 Jul 25, 1940 Jul 27

Correspondence with Creagh, including air attacks on forward squadrons of armoured cars in 7 Armoured Div and possibility of attacking Capuzzo at night. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/63 1940 Jul 28

Letter from Selby, referring to plans for demolition in line of communication area in event of withdrawal. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/64 1940 Jul 29, 1939 Jul 31

Correspondence with Wilson, including planned visit to Matruh by Egyptian press correspondents; rearrangement at the front to bring operations of 7 Armoured Div nearer Matruh; and defensive work at Naghamish Nullah. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/65 1940 Jul c 30

Letter (not signed) from HQ, British Troops in Egypt in Cairo referring to the completion of tank stepping stones and tank bridges and their availability to Western Desert Force. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/66 1940 Aug 8

Letters to Wilson, including the arrival in Sidi Barrani of a flight of Gladiators from 80 Sqn and requesting the loan of a flight of Hurricanes to deter enemy bombing; and commenting on members of Creagh's staff, including Birks, Caunter and Combe. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/67 1940 Aug 8

Letter to Brig W H E 'Strafer' Gott, Cdr of Support Group, in appreciation of the Rifle Bde, particularly Capt the Viscount Garmoyle for his patrol towards Capuzzo. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/68 1940 Aug 8, 1940 Aug 10

Correspondence with Maj Gen N W Napier-Clavering, including the postings of Armstrong, Collings and C M Smith; use of Hilliers Hotel (location not given) as a Mess; and petrol supplies. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/69 1940 Aug 10

Correspondence with Creagh, including operations by 7 Armoured Div intended to destroy the pier at Sollum and block entrance to the harbour and in anticipation of an enquiry into the operation; route of telephone wires to 7 Div HQ; and Creagh's opinion of Italian Commander-in-Chief, Rodolto Graziani. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/70 1940 Aug 10

Letters to Wilson, enclosing notes from a conference with Collishaw on provision of facilities for air tactical reconnaissance (notes not included); and referring to defence of water supply installations in Maaten Bagush area and defence of Daba. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/71 1940 Aug 15, 1940 Aug 16

Correspondence with Creagh, including instructions for completion of plans for demolition at short notice of all petrol, water and supplies in line of communication Area; and the need for a supply dump other than that east of Khalda. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/72 1940 Aug 15, 1940 Aug 22

Covering letters from and to Lt Col C D Quilliam at General Staff Intelligence, GHQ in Cairo sent with a copy of War Game No 1 'Attack on Egypt'. (Copy not included). 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/73 1940 Aug 23, 1940 Auf 24

Letter from Creagh, referring to imminent arrival of Armoured Fighting Vehicles and necessary modifications to them, comprising air filters in the engine and sand shields over the tracks; and the need for trailers, required for removal of tanks for repair. With letter to Brig W W Richards at General HQ, Middle East including extracts from Creagh's letter. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/74 1940 Aug 25

Letter from Wilson concerning the recent review of organisation and command in Egypt and informing O'Connor that he will remain in command of Western Desert Force. Also the need to defend the water supply at Maaten Bagush against attack and advising on the transfer of O'Connor's HQ. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/75 1940 Aug 26

Letter from FO James Gordon-Finlayson of 211 Sqn in Egypt referring to need for cooperation between the Army and RAF. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/76 1940 [Aug] 28

Message to 7 Armoured Div, advising that Brig Lloyd has sold his car. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/77 1940 Aug 29

Letter from Miralai Shaheen at Frontier HQ, Kubri El Kobba in Cairo in appreciation of relations between Egyptian and British troops. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/78 1940 Aug 29

Letter from Creagh concerning return of Aldridge to regimental duty in 6 Royal Tanks. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/79 1940 Aug 31

Letter to Wilson, referring to a recent visit to Support Group (location not given) and commenting on infantry patrols, capture of Italians and proposed relief of the Coldstream Guards. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/80 1940 Aug 31

Letter from AM Sir A M Longmore, Air Officer Commander-in-Chief in Egypt concerning possible arrival of Hurricanes, vulnerability of Lysanders without a fighter squadron escort and need to hold advanced landing grounds. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/81 1940 Sep 4

Letter to Wilson, concerning an interview with Hamdi Bey and Mofawi Pasha over reasons for reluctance of Egyptian troops to defend wells at Gebir, and O'Connor's suggestion that the Egyptians transfer to El Amein. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/82 1940 Sep 4

Letter to Wilson concerning O'Connor's request for transport, needed in the event of a withdrawal to the Delta following a 'Blitzkrieg' attack. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/83 1940 Sep 4

Letter to Creagh, referring to reports in Cairo of the deaths of 19 children following their evacuation to Palestine, and suggesting an official inquiry into the exaggeration of the figures. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/84 1940 Sep 4

Letter to Creagh concerning the arrival of one company of the French Motor Bn and suggesting the area of Charing Cross for their training. With reply from Caunter, including arrangements for reception of the Coy and their training at Buqbuq rather than Charing Cross. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/85 1940 Sep 4, 1940 Sep 5

Letter to Longmore referring to re-equipment of 208 Sqn with Hurricanes, importance of the defence of Matruh and Sidi Barrani and requesting a Lysander plane for use as personal transport in the event of battle. With reply from Gp Capt R M Drummond, stating the difficulty of providing a ground crew to maintain the plane and recommending that O'Connor use aircraft from the Army Cooperation Squadron. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/86 1940 Sep 6, 1940 Sep 8

Letter to Selby, Cdr 22 Infantry Bde referring to Selby's proposals for the relief of the Coldstream Guards. With Selby's reply, including need to improve anti tank trenches and Air Raid Precautions . 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/87 1940 Sep 6

Letter to Galloway concerning the return of New Zealand Field Company to New Zealand Group and shortage of Royal Engineers Companies; and the need for an Australian Company at Daba and a commander for corps troops. With Selby's request for a cable jointer (type of technical signaller) from Alexandria. With Galloway's reply, including the need to train Cypriot troops (apparently attached to 4 Indian Div) 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/88 1940 Sep 10

Letter from Galloway, including proposals for the mobility of 7 Armoured Div, 4 Indian Div, 16 Bde, New Zealand Group and Corps HQ and signal plans for direct support air bombing by the RAF. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/89 1940 Sep 11

Letter to Galloway suggesting an alternative date for the visit of Maj Gen Michael Gambier Parry to 7 Armoured Div. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/90 1940 Sep 11

Letter to Selby, including the relief of 3 Coldstream Guards by the South Staffords at Matruh and the despatch of four 3.7 anti-aircraft and six ant-aircraft Bofors guns to Matruh. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/91 1940 Sep 11

Letter to Maj Gen Beresford Peirse, Cdr 4 Indian Div referring to the layout in 'the box' (probably relating to defensive arrangements). With recommendations that only units involved in construction of defences and emplacements should move in, and that HQ and transport should remain outside. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/92 1940 Sep 6, 1940 Sep 12

Letter from Col W M Miller, Chief Signal Officer at HQ, British Troops in Egypt, referring to appointment of Mathew as O'Connor's chief signal officer. With reply. 4pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/93 1940 Sep 12

Note on the close support of forward troops; method for directing aircraft to targets; and emergency or advanced landing grounds east of the line between Gerawla and Qattara. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/94 1940 Sep 12

Message to Brig Richards at HQ, Middle East, requesting prompt repair of Cruisers and light tanks to replace vehicles sent to Sudan. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/95 1940 Sep 13

Letter to Galloway as Brigadier General Staff at HQ, British Troops in Egypt referring to planned visit by Gambier Parry and criticising circulation of a memorandum on use of anti-aircraft guns. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/96 1940 Sep 15

Letter to Gp Capt L O Brown of 202 Group, RAF enclosing copies of letters dated 4-5 Sep (not included). 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/97 1940 Sep 17

Appreciation of enemy operations in Sidi Barrani, and plans for withdrawal of 7 Armoured Div in the event of enemy advance to area between the Matruh-Siwa and Matruh-Qattara Roads. With summary of condition of vehicles of 7 Armoured Div and dispersal of Royal Tank Regiment. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/98 1940 Sep 18

Letter to Wilson referring to meeting with Strafer Gott, including need for mobile 25-pounder rather than Bofors guns to outrange enemy guns and the need for a refit of Support Group. With note on the condition of vehicles in 1 Royal Tank Regiment. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/99 1940 Sep 18

Letter from Selby, concerning the command of Matruh fortress in the event of him becoming a casualty, and suggesting Waite as a successor. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/100 1940 Sep 19

Letter from Galloway, referring to need for reconnaissance of Siwa area using a Lysander plane; plans for use of 208 Sqn in offensive role; and arrival of Australian piloted Gauntlet planes. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/101 1940 Sep 22

Letter from Galloway including the arrival of officers from Suez for a reconnaissance of the desert. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/102 1940 Sep 25

Letter to Creagh, referring to the possible use of a 'Jock's Force' (or Jock's Column, a small raiding party operated by Lt Col John Charles Campbell, 7 Armoured Div) and suggesting raids near the Sofafi and Barrani areas and a feint drive towards Maddalena. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/103 1940 Sep 25

Letter from Galloway, including arrangements for the arrival of 'I' Tanks Cruisers, Crusisers and light tanks; and provision for arrival of Mechanised Transports from Palestine. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/104 1940 Sep 26

Letter from Lt Gen Sir Arthur Smith at General HQ, Middle East in Cairo, giving reasons for the delay at Port Said in the arrival at Western Desert Force of new tank units. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/105 1940 Sep 26

Letter to Galloway, including suggestion for a feint drive towards Maddalena, concentration of German tanks in Italy for transport to Egypt and Jock's Column. With enclosures comprising correspondence with Creagh referring to factors effecting the success of the Columns; and report dated 23 Sep by Campbell of C Force, referring to operations in Sand Area. 8pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/106 1940 Sep 27

Letter to Freyburg, in appreciation of relations between British and New Zealand troops, especially the work of the latter in the defence of Naghamish Nullah. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/107 1940 Sep 27

Letter from Puttick, including the necessity of securing the Gebel Shaquqa area and bottle neck of the road crossing the Nagamish Wadi. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/108 1940 Sep 27

Letter to Wilson, concerning mobility of 4 Royal Horse Artillery and suggesting a transfer of FWD (transport) equipment from 104 Field Regt, Royal Horse Artillery to 4 Royal Horse Artillery. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/109 1940 Sep 27

Letter from Creagh, suggesting the creation of an Armoured Fighting Vehicle Directorate at Middle East HQ to deal with organisation, training and equipment of armoured fighting vehicles, to advise on tactical matters, and suggesting staff to man the Directorate. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/110 1940 Sep 29

Letter to Beresford-Peirse, Cdr 4 Indian Div with orders for the transfer of transport equipment from 104 Royal Horse Artillery to 4 Royal Horse Artillery. With his reply, including arrangements for the transfer of the equipment. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/111 1940 Sep 29

Letter to Beresford-Peirse concerning O'Connor's tour of 5 Bde area including wiring of the whole front rather than localities and the position of some posts as too advanced. With reply. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/112 1940 Sep 29

Letter from Selby, including areas reconnoitred for night offensives. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/113 1940 Sep 30

Agenda for and notes on a conference at Western Desert Force HQ on 30 Sep, including list of those present, possible offensives by the enemy and British Army, RAF and Navy operations in the event of attack. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/114 1940 Oct 4

Circular addressed to Collishaw, Creagh, Beresford-Pierse, Selby and Puttick commenting on recent slackness in saluting, turnout and cleanliness of troops. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/115 1940 Oct 5, 1940 Oct 9

Letter from Creagh, referring to reports of replacement of 4 Royal Horse Artillery by 1Royal Horse Artillery, and asking O'Connor to prevent transfer of 4 Royal Horse Artillery. With O'Connor's reply, refuting rumours of the transfer and suggesting a union of 1 and 4 Royal Horse Artillery. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/116 1940 Oct 8

Letter to Beresford-Pierse referring to recent visit with General Officer Commanding-in-Chief to the Shaquqa area and suggesting transfer of main line of resistance outpost positions. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/117 1940 Oct 8

Letter from Galloway, referring to Operation Instruction 15 and criticism of it as too defensive made by the Commander-in-Chief. With O'Connor's reply, including plans for Australian troops to move into the 'box' following the advance of Indian Div to Shaquqa and New Zealand Bde to Naghamish Nullah. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/118 1940 Oct 9, 1940 Oct 11

Letter to Selby in praise of work on the front line ditch at Matruh fortress, but suggesting that the soil be pushed back from the berm. With Selby's reply. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/119 1940 Oct 9-1940 Oct 17

Correspondence with Col I N Clayton at General HQ, Middle East in Cairo concerning restrictions on war correspondents, including copy of letter from Arthur Merton of the Daily Telegraph referring to rumours of O'Connor's antagonism to the press. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/120 1940 Oct 12

Letter to Selby, including relief of the battalions at Matruh fortress and the necessity of holding Naghamish and Bagush. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/121 1940 Oct 12, 1940 Oct 13

Letter to Beresford-Peirse, advising him that he may need to transfer one battalion to Matruh in the event of attack and referring to replacements considered following the transfer of Reese. With reply, suggesting the transfer of a Sussex battalion or a battalion of the 16 Bde, and preference for Bateman rather than Reese (also referred to as Rees). 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/122 1940 Oct 13

Letter to Beresford-Peirse, concerning relationship with the New Zealand forces, including abandonment of plans for a cage for POWs and the need for cooperation with Puttick over the tactical layout of medical services in the Box. With reply, referring to close working relationship with Puttick. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/123 1940 Oct 14-1940 Oct 17

Correspondence with Maj Victor Paley at HQ, British Troops in Egypt, concerning the alleged ill health and work of Baird as an agent for Arab intelligence, and referring to a course planned for native (Arab) agents by General HQ. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/124 1940 Oct 15

Letter from General HQ, Middle East concerning plans for the relief of Lilly (probably T P Lilly, Royal Army Ordnance Corps) by Cooper and the relief of Cooper, 7 Armoured Div by Morris. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/125 1940 Oct 15, 1940 Oct 18

Correspondence with Wilson concerning the evacuation of the Bedouin from the Western Desert including plans for the grazing of sheep and camels south of Daba and Fuka; recommendations for the removal of dumps of barley at Birshammas, Raqabet El Haif and Dir El Dargahmi; and suggested purchase of sheep for rations. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/126 1940 Oct 15-1940 Oct 24

Correspondence with Selby relating to the relief of troops in Matruh Fortress, suggesting relief of the Cheshire Regt, 107 Regt of the Royal Horse Artillery and 42 Field Company Royal Engineers; and the order of relief for the Infantry Bns of the Durham Light Infantry, South Staffordshires and Coldstream Guards. 5pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/127 1940 Oct 16

'Tactical Recce 14 Oct 1940' by Maj R G Collingwood, General Staff at Matruh Fortress including plans for the attacks on Stonehill by B Sector Bn and on Mae West by A Sector Bn; and plans for the following advance to clear the coastline. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/128 1940 Oct 16

Letter from Wilson, referring to the schedule for the planned visit by Secretary of State (not named) Maj Sugden, Royal Engineers himself and an ADC to include meetings with Collishaw, Creagh, Gott and Beresford-Peirse; and visits to Negemesh Nullah, Siwa and Matruh. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/129 1940 Oct 16, 1940 Oct 19

Letter from Smith at General HQ, Middle East in Cairo and to Creagh, referring to the possible transfer of French officer de Kersauson, currently attached to 7 Armoured Div. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/1/130 1940 Oct 17

Letter to Selby referring to the transfer of Army Supplies for Mersa Matruh by the RN. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/131 1940 Oct 18

Letter to Selby referring to the allocation of personnel and stores, including the transfer of one battalion, probably the Royal Sussex, to Matruh Fortress. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/132 1940 Oct 22

Letter to Lt Col J H Hogshaw, Cdr Northumberland Fusiliers concerning the planned relief by 1 Northumberland Fusiliers of 1 Cheshire Regt, probably at Matruh Fortress. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/1/133 1940 Oct 24-1940 Oct 26

Circular from O'Connor concerning breaches of security caused by needless discussion of planned operations, and referring to recently affected operations by the Camerons in particular. With letters from Creagh, Selby and Savory, suggesting action against offenders. 5pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/1-70 Operations in the Western Desert, First Libyan campaign, 1940-1941

OCONNOR: 4/2/1 1939 Oct 10

Letter from The Right Reverend A M Gelsthorpe, Assistant Bishop to the Bishop in Egypt, offering prayers for O'Connor and his troops in the impending war. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/2 1939 Oct 14

Article by Maj Gen Sir Charles Gwynn in The Daily Telegraph and Morning Post, predicting the course of a German attack in Western Europe. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/3 1940 Jun 13

Letter from Gen Gort, briefly referring to the campaign in Europe. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/4 1940 Jun 18

Newspaper cutting from The Times comprising letter from an RAF pilot to his mother, to be sent in the event of his death and referring to the war effort. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/5 1940 Aug 13

Appreciation by Italian 2 Div of British positions in areas including Bardia and Sidi Omar. With map of location of Italian troops in Sollum area. In Italian. 6pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/6 1940 Aug

Pilot's note on flying O'Connor and Maj Gen Elrington to Marten Bagush on 21 Aug. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/7 1940 Oct 20

Letter from Brig Alexander Galloway, Brigadier General Staff, British Troops in Egypt concerning supplies of food and troops for Western Desert Force. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/8 1940 Oct 22, 1940 Oct 27

Letter from Col F V Foster, Assistant Adjutant General at HQ, British Troops in Egypt in Cairo relating to shortage of drivers for welfare vans (known as Kumangetit vans) and reply from HQ Western Desert Force, with recommendations for increased security on the routes. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/9 1940 Oct

Secret and personal memorandum and covering letter from Brig A R Selby, Commander of Matruh Fortress, estimating current readiness of defences and requesting additional troops and supplies, and comments from Brig E P Nares and Brig R E Hobday. 9pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/10 1940 Nov 6

Circular addressed to Maj Gen N M de la P Beresford Peirse, 4 Div; Maj Gen Michael O'Moore Creagh, 7 Armoured Div; and Selby, referring to the reduction in air power. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/11 1940 Nov 6

Letter to Lt Col G H N Todd, Cdr of the Royal Scots Greys in Palestine, concerning the transfer of his temporary ADC, Earl Haig to Todd. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/12 1940 Nov 9

Letter from Creagh detailing an alteration in the operational plan in the event of an Italian advance. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/13 1940 Nov 23

Letter from Selby, concerning the misconduct (not specified) of Lt Col H C Westmorland, commander of a battalion in the Hampshire Regiment, and suggesting Westmorland's transfer. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/14 1940 Nov 23-1940 Dec 4

Correspondence with Galloway concerning the establishment of a temporary Commander, Royal Artillery 7 Armoured Div. 5pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/15 1940 Nov

Correspondence with Foster concerning the attempts to find employment for Mr F Creasey, formerly known to O'Connor, in the Army. 4pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/16 1940 Nov

Letter to Brig Edward Puttick, 4 New Zealand Infantry Bde concerning alleged negligence of his troops while stationed at an RAF aerodrome, and letter from Brig L M Inglis referring to the court proceedings. 4pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/17 1940 Nov-1941 Apr

Letters of congratulation and appreciation sent during the desert campaign, particularly following battle of Sidi Barrani in Dec 1940, including those from Gen Sir Claude Auchinleck, Adm Sir Andrew Cunningham, FM Lord Birdwood, Sir Harold MacMichael, Brig Eric Dorman-Smith and Gen Sir Henry Jackson. 39pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/18 1940 Dec 1

Letter to Brig J A L Caunter, Commander of 7 Armoured Bde referring to supply of weapons. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/19 1940 Dec 14

Letters to Selby and Beresford Peirse, referring to the battle of Sidi Barrani, 9-11 Dec, and detailing problems with communications and supply of weapons. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/20 1940 Dec 27

Letter to Wilson detailing plans for defence of Sollum and attack on Bardia. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/21 1940 Dec 27

'Notes from General O'Connor', to HQ, British Troops in Egypt concerning the supply of troops and weapons. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/22 1940 Dec

'Special Order of the Day', issued by Gen Sir Archibald Wavell, Commander-in-Chief, Middle East as encouragement to the troops in the impending desert campaign. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/23 1940 Dec-1941 Feb

Newspaper cuttings referring to the advances in the Western Desert including those from The Daily Express, The New York Herald Tribune and The Sunday Times, and photographs taken in Derna and the Western Desert. 15pp, 4 photographs

OCONNOR: 4/2/24 1940

Printed leaflets publicising the slogan, 'It all depends on me', as part of the war effort. Publisher not known. 4pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/25 1941 Jan 1

Letter from Lt Gen Arthur Smith at the War Office, referring to the age limit for staff course candidates. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/26 1941 Jan 6-1941 Jan 7

Letters of appreciation for assistance leading to the capture of Bardia, to Adm Sir Andrew Cunningham, Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Fleet; Sqn Ldr I D McLaughlan, No 3 Sqn Royal Australian Air Force; Sqn Ldr J R Wilson, No 208 Sqn RAF; and Air Cdre R W Collistone, 202 Group RAF. 4pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/27 1941 Jan 6, 1941 Jan 11

Letter from Rear Adm Algernon Willis, Mediterranean Station, referring to the recent victory at Bardia and Italian prisoners, and introducing Capt Harold Hickling as Senior Naval Officer of Inshore Squadron, commanding the gunboat squadron. With O'Connor's reply. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/28 1941 Jan 6-1941 Jan 13, 1969 Nov 13

Papers relating to the appointment of Hickling as Senior Naval Officer of Inshore Squadron, including letters from Adm Sir Andrew Cunningham; and Hickling, enclosing a memorandum on bombing requirements. With obituary of Hickling from The Times. 5pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/29 1941 Jan 7-8

Correspondence with Creagh, referring to plans for the isolation of Tobruk and advance on Mechili. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/30 1941 Jan 16

Letter to Maj Gen I G Mackay, Commander of 6 Australian Div, referring to the possibility of booby traps at Tobruk and recommendations for making them safe. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/31 1941 Jan 18

Letter to Brig J E Shearer, referring to expected arrival of a naval officer (not named) and agents. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/32 1941 Jan 19, c 1949

Letter to Galloway, detailing his dissatisfaction with the command structure, and referring in particular to the 'Archipelago' plan, to capture Mechili. With retrospective note. 7pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/33 1941 Jan 22

Letter to Air Cdre Raymond Collishaw, Cdr 202 Group, RAF referring to his request for transportation of the RAF unit to new HQ. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/34 1941 Jan 23, 1941 Jan 28

Covering letter sent to O'Connor with copy of telegram from Prime Minister to Wavell, congratulating on the recent victories in the campaign. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/35 [1941 Jan] 25

Signal from HQ 13 Corps to 7 Armoured Div ordering that the Italian forces be contained at Mechili. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/36 1941 Jan 25, 1941 Jan 26

Letter from Creagh referring to campaign at Mechili, and reply from O'Connor stressing necessity of capturing the Italian army. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/37 1941 Jan 26

Letter to Shearer, inquiring about the possible presence of German troops in Cyrenaica and Tripoli. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/38 1941 Jan 27

Letter to Wavell, including proposal to capture or destroy the enemy in the Mechili area, and stating shortages in ammunition and fuel. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/39 1941 Jan 28

Letter from Creagh, referring to failure of the Armoured Divs to pursue retreating Italian troops at Mechili and future plans. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/40 1941 Jan 30

Letter to Creagh, referring to failure to prevent successful Italian retreat near Mechili. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/41 [1941] Jan 30

Letter from Galloway, including references to the Italian retreat near Mechili on 26 and 27 Jan, staff transfers, and the location of troops.

OCONNOR: 4/2/42 1941 Feb 1

Copy of letter from Leopold Amery, Secretary of State for India to Gen Sir John Dill, Chief of Imperial General Staff 1940-1941, suggesting an advance on Tripoli as the key to future operations in the Mediterranean and Balkans. With tribute to Amery taken from The Blast of War (MacMillan, London, 1967) by Harold MacMillan. 4pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/43 1941 Feb 3

Letter to Lt Col W J F Eassie, 7 Armoured Div, concerning complaints of troops about the unreliability of the mail and cabling service. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/44 1941 Feb 12, 1941 Feb 13

Papers comprising Special Order of the Day and congratulatory letters sent to Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Fleet; 13 Corps; Tobruk Base area; and 202 Group, RAF following the campaign culminating in the Battle of Beda Fomm, 7 Feb. 10pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/45 [1941] Feb 16

Letter from Galloway, commenting on recent advances in the Western Desert. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/46 [1941 Feb]

Letter from Creagh, referring to the Italian retreat at Mechili and repairs to equipment. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/47 1941 Feb, 1968 Mar 18

Papers relating to alleged looting and general indiscipline of Australian troops in Derna, with letter from O'Connor directing Maj Gen I G Mackay, Cdr of 6 Australian Div to take immediate action against offenders. With retrospective note by O'Connor. 4pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/48 1941 Mar

Letters and cables congratulating O'Connor on his recent knighthood, including those from Lt Gen Sir Henry Pownall, Gen Sir Hubert Gough, Lt Gen Sir George Giffard, Maj Gen M B Gambier-Parry and Maj Gen Bernard Freyberg, Gen Sir Sydney Muspratt and Gen Sir Claude Auchinleck. 31pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/49 1942-1943

Newspaper cuttings, including The Daily Telegraph, The Times and The Evening Standard, subjects including the loss of Tobruk, and Montgomery as Cdr of 8 Army. 10pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/50 1942-1951

Correspondence with Liddell Hart, including questionnaire on the desert campaign and O'Connor's answers. With articles by Liddell Hart, 'Is our soldiership carrying much top-hamper?', referring to Clauswitzian theory; 'The problem of quickening manoeuvre'; 'Could we have mopped up Africa two years earlier?' referring to the decision not to advance on Tripoli in 1941; and 'Blunders that gave Rommel his victory'. 47pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/51 1945 Feb 12

Letter from Maj Gen G A Vasey, including his recent military duties and referring to staff of 6 Australian Div (replaced 4 Indian Div during the desert campaign). 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/52 1945 Mar 3

Letter from Vera Cleeve, referring to her husband Francis' injury and mutual acquaintances from the desert campaigns. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/53 1945 Jul 14

Letter from Maj W G Lyon, formerly on O'Connor's staff during the desert campaign including his recent military duties and referring to mutual acquaintances. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/54 1945 Aug 17

Letter from Brig Gen Bonner Fellers, in praise of O'Connor's conduct of the desert campaign. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/55 1945 Nov 2

Letter from R J Minney, Editor in Chief of the publishers George Newnes Ltd asking O'Connor to contribute a chapter on the campaign in the Western Desert for a planned history of World War Two. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/56 1948-1950, 1961,1965

Letters from and articles by Sir Arthur Bryant, including cuttings from The Illustrated London News on Pte Thomas Alfred Jones, VC and O'Connor, and comparing the Sinai desert operation in 1967 with those in 1941; and 'Before Rommel in the Desert', from The Sunday Times. 20pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/57 1950 Dec 7

Letter from Gavin Long of the Commonwealth of Australian Official War History to Brig H B Latham at the Cabinet Office Historical Section concerning FM Lord Wilson. With O'Connor's comments on Long's draft chapters on Greece and the First Libyan campaign. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/58 1952-1953

Letters from Archibald John Wavell, 2nd Earl, concerning the memorial edition of his father's anthology, Other Men's Flowers (Jonathan Cape, London, 1952) and the date of arrival of the German air force in Africa following the First Libyan campaign. 9pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/59 1954 Mar

Programme for the dedication of 4 Indian Div War Memorial at the Royal Military Memorial Chapel, Sandhurst on 28 Mar. 1 booklet

OCONNOR: 4/2/60 1954, 1973

Newspaper cuttings from The Times, comprising letter dated 25 Oct 1954 from Lt Col the Viscount of Elibank concerning the desert victories of O'Connor, and obituaries on Elibank's death, 2 Jun 1973. With letter from Lt Gen Sir (James) Ronald Charles, commenting on Elibank's letter. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/61 1955-1966

Letters and book reviews relating to the First Libyan campaign, correspondents including Arthur Bryant, Correlli Barnett and FM Sir Claude Auchinleck. 29pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/62 1956 Apr 9

Cutting from The Daily Telegraph, relating to the Official History of World War Two. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/63 [1957] Feb 23

Letter from AF Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope to Vice Adm John Cuthbert, referring to naval assistance given during First Libyan campaign. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/2/64 1967

Text of lecture, 'The Arab-Israeli War I' given at Royal United Services Institution on 6 Jul 1967 by Brig Peter Young, comparing the War with the campaign of 1940-1941. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/65 1968 Jun, Aug

Article entitled 'Rommel and Generalship' by Ronald Lewin in History Today. With letter from O'Connor, commenting on the article. 7pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/66 1968-1969

'Some reflections on the first Desert Campaign, December 1940 - April 1941' by Maj Nairne, including comments by O'Connor. With map of Libya from The Times (Feb 1968). 13pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/67 1969

Copies of articles on the desert campaigns, taken from Italian magazine (unnamed) describing Italian tactics; the death of Gen Pietro Maletti; bombing of Cunningham's flagship and the attack on the Italian fleet at Taranto in Nov 1940. 32pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/68 1969, 1976-1977

Papers relating to Wavell and his ADC Peter Coats, including book reviews and comments on his character and actions by O'Connor and Lt Gen Sir George Collingwood. 22pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/69 1970

Correspondence between O'Connor, Lord Harding and Kenneth Macksey, military historian, relating to the latter's planned books on the battle of Beda Fomm and Gen J F C Fuller. With O'Connor's notes, stressing the factors he believed to be the most important during the campaign. 19pp

OCONNOR: 4/2/70 1970, 1972

Papers relating to BBC television dramatisation of the campaign, The Desert War, 1970-1971; and ITV documentary on the history of the World War Two. With O'Connors's notes on the campaign. 19pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/1-22 Accounts of the First Libyan campaign, 1940-1941 by O'Connor, Lt Gen Philip Neame, and Lt Col John Combe

OCONNOR: 4/3/1 1941 Apr 20

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

OCONNOR: 4/3/2 1940s

Typescript transcript copy of 4/3/1, the original account of the First Libyan campaign by O'Connor. 46pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/3 1941 Apr 20

Manuscript copy of Part I of the narrative by O'Connor, Sep 1940 to Feb 1941, covering the first Libyan campaign. Extracts from the original of comments on significant personalities. 24pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/4 1941 Apr

Manuscript copy of Part II of the narrative by O'Connor, covering Feb-Apr 1941. 4pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/5 1941 Apr

Manuscript copy of Part III of the narrative by O'Connor. Differs in account from 6 Apr 1941, covering withdrawal to Machile (Mekili) and capture by German reconnaissance patrol. 12pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/6 1941 May

Photostat of manuscript copy of narrative by O'Connor of the First Libyan campaign, Parts I to III. 121pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/7 1941 May 22

Covering letter addressed to Wadsworth, accompanying account of the first Libyan campaign. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/3/8 1941 May 22

Letter addressed to Mrs O'Connor and Lady O'Connor, accompanying the narrative. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/3/9 1941 Aug 1

Letter written from Villa Orsini, Sulmona to accompany the second account of the First Libyan campaign, with instructions regarding disposal of the account. With envelope. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/10 1942 Jun 8

Letter from Wadsworth at the Department of State, Division of European Affairs to 'Bill', enclosing the O'Connor and Neame narratives of desert operations. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/3/11 c 1944

Note presumably from Gen B L Montgomery, advising Maj Gen G W Richards to return a copy of the narrative to O'Connor. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/12 1945 Jun 17

Letter from Richard Casey, Governor of Bengal referring to the narrative of the Western Desert campaign. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/3/13 1945 Jun 27-1945 Jul 4

Letter from Wavell commenting on the narrative of the campaigns, particularly the advance to Tripoli, O'Connor's capture, and giving his opinion of Caunter, Dorman-Smith, Neame and Gambier-Parry. With O'Connor's reply. 12pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/14 1948, 1949

Letters from Sir Arthur Bryant, Maj Gen R J Collins, Brig H B Latham, Cabinet Office Historical Section and copy letter from Gen Lord Ismay referring to the narrative. 5pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/15 1941 Apr

Narrative by Neame of desert operations, 'Operations in Cyrenaica from 27th Feb 1941 when Lt Gen P Neame assumed command until his capture on 7th April 1941'. Including situation on assuming command; condition and size of British forces in Cyrenaica; requests for reinforcements for defence of Cyrenaica, Mar; detail of the German advance and British withdrawal, Mar-Apr. With sketch map of Cyrenaica. 11pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/16 1941 Apr 24

Copy made by O'Connor of Neame's account of the desert operations. 7pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/17 1941 May 28

Letter from Neame to Wadsworth, enclosing his account of desert operations, and letter to Neame's wife Berta. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/18 1940s

Copies of comments by Brig J F B Combe on the account of operations in Cyrenaica by Neame, and on various letters of Neame and O'Connor. 7pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/19 1960s

Comments by Combe on Neame's account of the desert operations, and on various letters of O'Connor and Neame. 6pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/20-22 Account of by Lt Col J F B Combe, Cdr 11 Hussars, of First Libyan campaign and his later capture, 1960-1967

OCONNOR: 4/3/20 1960 16 Nov

Letter from Combe, with comments on The Desert Generals (William Kimber and Co Ltd, London, 1960) by Corelli Barnett. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/21 1960s

Copy of Combe's narrative of the desert campaigns, Feb-7 Apr 1941, particularly following the German advance and return of O'Connor to assist Neame in operations, withdrawal of troops and capture. 10pp

OCONNOR: 4/3/22 1967

Obituary and tributes from The Times and The Daily Telegraph to Combe on his death, 12 Jul 1967. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/4/1-8 Papers relating to the British expedition to Greece in 1941, dated 1941-1970

OCONNOR: 4/4/1 1941 Jan 10

Copy of minutes of a meeting of the War Cabinet Defence Committee (Operations) held on 9 Jan, including discussion on allied policy in Greece and the Mediterranean, and Operation ABIGAIL. With copy of telegram from Chiefs of Staff to Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean and Commander-in-Chief, Middle East concerning the despatch of forces to Greece in preparation for the expected German offensive. 5pp

OCONNOR: 4/4/2 1941 Jan 21

Copy of the minutes of a meeting of the War Cabinet Defence Committee (Operations) held on 20 Jan, including discussion on allied policy in Greece and the Mediterranean following Greek rejection of the offer of assistance by allied forces and on probable German military objectives, particularly the Dodecanese. With copy of Prime Minister's minute on decisions made at the meeting, including plans for advance on Benghazi. 10pp

OCONNOR: 4/4/3 1941 Feb 10

Copy of the minutes of a meeting of the War Cabinet Defence Committee (Operations) held on 10 Feb concerning policy in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean relating to Tripoli, the Balkans and Turkey. 5pp

OCONNOR: 4/4/4 1941 Feb 11

Copy of the minutes of a meeting of the War Cabinet Defence Committee (Operations) held on 11 Feb concerning policy in the Middle East and Mediterranean relating to Cyrenaica and possible German advances in the Balkans, and the offer of weapons and aircraft to the Greeks. With copy of telegram from the Prime Minister to Wavell referring to the capture of Cyrenaica and necessity of securing Benghazi, and the offers of assistance to Greece; and telegram from Chiefs of Staff to Commander-in-Chief Middle East referring to the assistance to Greece following a probable German attack through Bulgaria. 11pp

OCONNOR: 4/4/5 1941 Feb

Typescript extracts by Maj Nairne from telegrams between Eden, Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister concerning assistance to the Greeks and the selection of Wilson to command the operations. With extract from a report by the Chief of Staff Committee relating to assistance to Greece. 7pp

OCONNOR: 4/4/6 1947 Jun 10

Letter from Maj Gen Sir Francis de Guingand, including his opinion that intervention in Greece was a mistake and that Wavell was responsible in some part for the decision. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/4/7 1973

Comments by Maj Nairne on the War Cabinet Defence Committee minutes and telegram extracts. 5pp

OCONNOR: 4/4/8 1970

Comments by O'Connor and Nairne on the decision to assist Greece, rather than advance to Tripoli. 21pp

OCONNOR: 4/5/1-22 Papers, including escape narrative, relating to captivity in Italy, 1941-1943

OCONNOR: 4/5/1 1941 Apr-1943 Apr

Typescript copy of the escape narrative, including details of assistance throughout confinement by War Office; initial escape plans from Florence; first attempt and recapture, and sentencing to one month's solitary confinement, Sep 1942; digging of escape tunnel, Oct 1942-Mar 1943; escape, 30 Mar and account of fortunes of various members of the party, including journey of Brig James Hargest and Brig Miles to Switzerland; and capture of Brig J F B Combe and AVM O T Boyd in Como, and Maj Gen Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart and O'Connor in the Po Valley, near Bologna. With detailed plans of the castle showing escape tunnel. 2 copies, 72pp

OCONNOR: 4/5/2 1941 Apr

Bound copy of the narrative as a POW in Vincigliata Castle, including the first escape attempt over the castle walls. With detailed sketches of the escape route and photographs of the castle. 1 vol, 18 photographs

OCONNOR: 4/5/3 1941-1950, 1968

Papers relating to capture and period spent as POW. With letters to Lady O'Connor, including those from Wavell, Carton de Wiart, Lord Birdwood, Maj Gen Creagh, Gen Sir John Dill at the War Office, Maj Gen B L Montgomery and Anthony Eden; forged identity cards used by O'Connor under the name Guillome Riccardo, and signal dated 8 Apr from Wavell to Lady O'Connor, informing of her husband's capture. 46pp

OCONNOR: 4/5/4 1943 Sep-Dec

'After Vincigliata', narrative of events following Italian surrender, including transfer from prison to Camaldoli and then Eremo monastery, and on to Segetheina; journeys to Cattolica and Cervia for (unsucccessful) rendezvous with submarine; escape in Dec by boat from Cattolica, arrival at Termoli and transfer to Bari as guest of Gen Alexander. With details of meeting with Churchill and journey to England. Original and typescript copy. 58pp

OCONNOR: 4/5/5 1943 Sep-Dec

'After Vincigliata', typescript copy, as above. 2 copies, 44pp

OCONNOR: 4/5/6 1944 Jan

Newspaper cuttings including The New York Times and Egyptian Gazette, on the escape of O'Connor, Neame and Boyd from Italy. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/5/7 1944 Jan-1944 Mar

Letters and telegrams congratulating O'Connor on his escape, including those from Maj Gen G W R Templar, Lt Gen Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart, Brig Eric Dorman-Smith, Brig Gen W D Croft, FM Lord Birdwood, Lt Gen Edward Puttick, FM Sir John Dill. 26pp

OCONNOR: 4/5/8 1944 Feb 17

Letter from Brig Eric Dorman-Smith, referring to the desert campaign, O'Connor's escape and reasons for his removal from post of Bde Cdr in 12 Corps. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/5/9 1944 c Feb

Letter from Lady Muriel Tweedmouth to Lady Jean O'Connor, referring to O'Connor's escape and his friendship with Lt Gen Carton de Wiart.

OCONNOR: 4/5/10 1944 May 13-1944 Sep 30

Correspondence with Lt Augusto Ricciardi, officer at Vincigliata and following the Italian armistice in 6 Lancers, concerning O'Connor's escape and Ricciardi's hopes for a transfer to a British armoured brigade in Italy. 3pp

OCONNOR: 4/5/11 1944 Aug 16

Letter from Capt Francesco Montalto, involved in liaison for the British, thanking O'Connor for his part in having him released from prison. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/5/12 1944 Sep 6

Letter from Thomas, 6th Earl of Ranfurly, including news of Italian prison officers and partisans. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/5/13 1944 Sep 16

Letter from Lt Col E J Todhunter, Allied Control Commission in Italy, with news of Italian contacts. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/5/14 1945 Aug 24

Letter from Teresa Spazzoli in Forli, Italy referring to the murder of her brothers by Nazi-Fascists. (The Spazzoli family were partisans who sheltered O'Connor during his escape). 1p

OCONNOR: 4/5/15 1945 Oct 6

Letter from Carlo Saporetti in Cervia, referring to O'Connor's escape. In Italian. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/5/16 1945 Nov 9

Letter from Egan Bolaffir, including mutual acquaintances. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/5/17 1945 Nov 25

Letter from J Howes of Auckland, New Zealand, captive at Vincigliata and describing his escape after the Italian surrender. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/5/18 1946 Feb 11-1946 May 1

Letters from J Aitken referring to a recently published book and radio programme on the escape from Vincigliata. 2pp

OCONNOR: 4/5/19 1946 Apr 22, 1946 May 3

Letter to Mrs Gabrielle Telesio, who with her husband assisted in the escape of British POWs from Cervi, Italy in Dec 1943. With her reply, including reference to the escape. 2p

OCONNOR: 4/5/20 1946 Apr 28

Letter from 'Gussie', including news of former inmates at Vincigliata. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/5/21 1946 Oct 27

Letter from Guillaume Guiseppe, referring to Vincigliata. In Italian. 1p

OCONNOR: 4/5/22 1946 Nov 8