Richard O'Connor
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Sir Richard O'Connor was a British Army General who commanded the Western Desert Force in the first years of World War II.
The Italian Offensive
O'Connor's plan to defend Egypt was to use a screen of light tanks and armored cars, supported by artillery, to delay the Italians. In command of this delaying force was Brigadier General Gott. Meanwhile, the main force was to retreat towards Mersa Matruh and the Baggush Box.
Operation Compass
O'Connor was the field commander for Operation Compass, which began on December 8, 1940.
O'Connor was later captured and spent two years in an Italian prisoner of war camp for senior officers. He was an avid escaper and made a number of attempts with General Sir Philip Neame, and Lieutenant General Sir Adrian Carton De Wiart. He was eventually successful.
O'Connor commanded the 8th Corps in Normandy in 1944 and during the breakout to the north. Later in 1945 he was general officer in command, Eastern Command in India, and then headed the North West Army in the closing days of British rule in the subcontinent.
O'Connor retired in 1948. He was Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty from 1955 to 1964 and served as lord high commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1964.