1941 ⟶ Rommel Halts Tobruk Offensive

Rommel is ordered to cease attacks on Tobruk after another f...
Timelines Logo
Year
1941

🇩🇪 Rommel Halts Tobruk Offensive

Rommel is ordered to cease attacks on Tobruk after another failure.⟶
North AfricaDesert WarRommelTobrukAxisBritishEgyptMilitary CampaignAfrika KorpsFailed Offensive

🇩🇪 Rommel Approaches Tobruk and Egypt

Rommel is now about 200 miles east of El Agheila, heading for Tobruk and Egypt.⟶
North AfricaDesert CampaignRommelTobrukEgyptAxis AdvanceMilitary StrategyEl Agheila

🛡️ Rommel's Attack on Tobruk Fails

Rommel attacks Tobruk, but is forced to turn back. Other attacks, also failures, occur on the 16th and 30th.⟶
North AfricaTobrukRommelAfrika KorpsBattleMilitary FailureDesert Warfare

🇩🇪 Rommel's Victory at Halfaya Pass

Rommel wins an important victory at Halfaya Pass, close to the Egyptian border.⟶
North AfricaDesert WarRommelAxisBritishEgyptMilitary VictoryTank WarfareAfrika Korps

🇩🇪 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

🔄 Rommel Retreats and Tobruk Relieved

After his brief dash into Egypt, Rommel retreats to Bardia for refuelling; it is during this brief withdrawal that Tobruk is temporarily relieved when the 8th Army meets with the besieged garrison there.⟶
North AfricaTobrukBardiaDesert WarRommelMilitary StrategyAlliesAxis