An aluminium metal matrix composite reinforced with continuous unidirectional alpha-alumina fibres has been compression tested at quasi-static and dynamic strain rates. In the transverse direction, the composite showed increasing flow stress (at 5% strain) and maximum stress within the studied strain rates, 10(-3)-3 x 10(3) s(-1). In the longitudinal direction, the maximum stress of the composite increased similarly with increasing strain rates within the range 10(-5)-7 x 10(2) s(-1). If is shown that, if brooming of the sam pie ends can be suppressed, the failure stress of the composite in longitudinal compression increases significantly. Metallographic observations reveal the typical modes of damage initiation in the composite.