Although the first skirmishes with the Italians ended in the success of the English, Wavell realized that the forces were too thin and the supply lines too stretched.
When the Italian offensive started in September, the only thing that could have been done was to harass the opponent while leading an organized retreat towards Sidi Barrani and then to Mers Maruth.

The division will be supplemented with battalions: artillery, tanks and infantry.
