On 7 January The Canberra Times announced Bardia as a 'Bloodless Victory'. Mr Vrisakis, the Greek consul-general in Australia, was reported as congratulating the A.I.F for their 'magnificent feat of arms' in Bardia, saying 'once more the sons of Australia have covered themselves with imperishable glory'. On 8 January The Argus proudly announced 'A.I.F widely praised', reporting messages of support which directly linked the Bardia heroes with the heroes of World War I.
News of the victory began streaming into the Australian press. In three days of fighting, the 6th Australian Division defeated the Italian garrison, capturing four generals and 40,000 prisoners, including their weapons and equipment.
At 5.30 am on 3 January 1941, the first major attack by an Australian division in World War II was launched at Bardia in Italian Libya.
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