1942 ⟶ Rommel Overwhelms 150th Brigade, Securing Supply Lines
To further secure his supply lines, Rommel launches an attac...
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
💥 Rommel Overwhelms 150th Brigade, Securing Supply Lines
To further secure his supply lines, Rommel launches an attack on 150th Brigade of British 50th Infantry Division, whose position he has surrounded. Since he is attacking from the east against a position designed to defend against attacks from the west, and since there is scant hope of relief, there is little 150th Brigade can do and they are soon overwhelmed.⟶
North AfricaGazala LineRommelAfrika Korps150th BrigadeMilitary VictoryMilitary CampaignLogisticsSupply LinesBritish Army
🇩🇪 Rommel Recaptures Benghazi
Rommel's Afrika Korps recaptures Benghazi, Libya in his drive east. For the next few months, the two sides will rest and rearm.⟶
North AfricaAfrika KorpsRommelBenghaziMilitary CampaignLibya
🪖 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
🇩🇪 Rommel's Offensive Stalls at El Alamein
Rommel begins an attack around El Alamein, but by September he is back to his original lines.⟶
North AfricaEl AlameinRommelAfrika KorpsDesert WarAxis PowersMilitary CampaignDefensive ActionFrontline