O'Connor's force captured roughly 40,000 troops in three days and the 7th Armoured Division cut the road west of Bardia. Wavell had already recalled the 4th Indian Division for service in Sudan, leaving no infantry formation ready to exploit that position. The replacement 6th Australian Division took three weeks to arrive, giving the Italian garrison time to organize an eighteen-mile perimeter. Saul David criticizes Wavell's caution, including a signal that treated Bardia's fall as unlikely and allowed further movement only within the endurance of men and vehicles.
Notable Point · 3:31:15-3:32:37
Caution cost Operation Compass momentum before Bardia
After the first British success, Wavell's recall of the 4th Indian Division left no infantry ready to exploit the road cut west of Bardia.