1942 ⟶ British Deploy Sherman Tanks at Gazala Line
British use American Sherman tanks in attempts to stop Romme...
Year
1941
1942
🇩🇪 Rommel Attacks Gazala Line, Tobruk Holds
Rommel attacks the Gazala defence line and crosses into Egypt; Tobruk continues to hold however.⟶
North AfricaDesert WarRommelGazala LineTobrukAxisBritishEgyptMilitary CampaignAfrika Korps
⬆️ Commonwealth Troops Push Rommel Back at Gazala Line
Commonwealth troops push Rommel back at the Gazala line.⟶
North AfricaGazala LineRommelMilitary OperationsCommonwealthAxis PowersDesert WarfareBattle
🇬🇧 British Deploy Sherman Tanks at Gazala Line
British use American Sherman tanks in attempts to stop Rommel's attacks on the Gazala line.⟶
North AfricaGazala LineTank WarfareBritish ArmyAmerican EquipmentMilitary TechnologyBattle of GazalaRommel
🪖 Rommel's Maneuvers Begin in Gazala Line: 'The Cauldron'
Rommel's offensive has stalled out well short of Tobruk, due to resistance by British 1st Armoured Division and 7th Armoured Division, partially equipped with the new American Sherman tanks. He is also confronted by a long supply line, which must reach around and is under constant threat from the 1st Free French Brigade Group position at Bir Hakeim. He orders two lanes cut through the British minefields which run from Gazala to Bir Hakeim, on either side of fortified positions held by the 150th Brigade of British 50th Infantry Division. He then gathers the bulk of his forces near the outlets of these two lanes, completing the process on the 31st. These tactics serve the triple purpose of shortening his supply line, encircling 150th Brigade, and allowing him to use the British minefields as part of his defences. The area of concentration, promptly nicknamed "the Cauldron" by British Command, will be the focus of the battle for the next few days.⟶
North AfricaGazala LineBattle of Bir HakeimRommelAfrika KorpsBritish ArmyMinefieldsMilitary TacticsTank WarfareSupply Lines
↩️ British Begin Withdrawal from Gazala Line
At the Gazala Line, the British position has become untenable, and General Auchinleck authorizes General Ritchie to make a concerted withdrawal from forward positions along the line.⟶
North AfricaGazalawithdrawalDesert WarBritish Armymilitary strategytactical retreat
💥 British Tank Breakthrough West of El Alamein
The British make a critical breakthrough with tanks west of El Alamein; Rommel's mine fields fail to stop the Allied armour.⟶
El AlameinNorth AfricaTank WarfareBritish ArmyRommelMinefieldsTactical VictoryDesert War