Beda Fomm is known mainly for being the site of the final engagement of Operation Compass (December 1940 to February 1941) in the Second World War.

In late January 1941, during Operation Compass, the British learned that the Italians were evacuating Cyrenaica by way of Beda Fomm.

Halfway to their destination, it was evident that the division together was too slow and Combeforce, a flying column was sent on the direct route across the desert.

The fighting was close and often hand-to-hand; at one point, a regimental sergeant major captured an Italian tank by hitting the commander over the head with the butt of his rifle.

After that failure, with the rest of the 7th Armoured arriving and the 6th Australian Division bearing down on them from Benghazi, the Italians surrendered.