The British forces on 7 February 1941 in Mediterranean and Middle East

General Wavell was still the theater commander in February 1941. He had just fought a successful campaign in the Western Desert against the Italians and an unsuccessful effort in Greece. The forces available included:

• Western Desert, he had: 7th Armoured Division (worn down) and 6th Australian Division.
• Egypt: 2nd Armoured Division (incomplete), 6th Division (forming), the New Zealand Division, and the Polish brigade group
• Palestine: 7th Australian Division and 9th Australian Division (incomplete)
• Eritrea: 4th Indian Division and 5th Indian Division (in combat at Keren)
• East Africa: 1st South African Division, 11th African Division, and 12 African Division (ready for combat at Kismayu)