Raid on Bardia

The Raid on Bardia was an amphibious landing at the coastal town of Bardia in North Africa by British Commandos over the night of 19/20 April 1941 during the Second World War. The raid was carried out by No. 7 Commando, also known as A Battalion Layforce, together with a small detachment from the Royal Tank Regiment; the raiders were supported by five navy ships and a submarine. The raid destroyed an Italian artillery battery and a supply dump. It was deemed a success despite the loss of 71 men. The more lasting strategic effect of the raid was the diversion of a German armoured brigade from the front line to provide rear area security.

Raid on Bardia
Part of the Siege of Tobruk, during the Second World War

British commandos in landing craft
Date19/20 April 1941
Location31°46′N 25°06′E
Result Allied victory
Belligerents
 United Kingdom
 Australia
 Germany
 Italy
Commanders and leaders
Lieutenant Colonel Colvin Erwin Rommel
Rodolfo Graziani
Strength
A Battalion Layforce
RTR Troop
HMS Glengyle
HMS Coventry
HMAS Stuart
HMAS Voyager
HMAS Waterhen
HMS Triumph
Casualties and losses
1 killed
70 captured
1 artillery battery destroyed
1 supply dump destroyed
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