Operation Brevity was a small offensive launched by Great Britain in North Africa during in May 1941. The attack aimed to gain territory as a launching point for Operation Battleaxe. After a day of fighting, the small British force withdrew to avoid large casualties being inflicted from a German counterattack. The operation, resulting in minor casualties on both sides, resulted in the capture of Halfaya Pass although the pass was recaptured by the Germans two weeks later. The armoured strike force for the operation was led by Brigadier William Gort