1942 ⟶ Rommel's Maneuvers Begin in Gazala Line: 'The Cauldron'
Rommel's offensive has stalled out well short of Tobruk, due...
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'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 Spring Offensive Begins at Gazala Line
Rommel begins a Spring offensive at the Gazala line (west of Tobruk). It opens with "Rommel's Moonlight Ride," a dramatic mechanized dash around 1st Free French Brigade Group positions at Bir Hakeim on the British left (desertward) flank, conducted by moonlight during the night of 26/27 May. In the process Rommel disperses 3rd Indian Motorized Brigade, some six hundred of whom are taken prisoner and then released in the desert, and who will make their way to Bir Hakeim. The offensive lasts well into June and ends with a total victory for Rommel.⟶
North AfricaDesert WarAfrika KorpsMilitary OffensiveBattleTank WarfareBir HakeimRommelGazala Line
🇬🇧 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 Attacks Bir Hachim
Rommel turns his troops to Bir Hachim on the south edge of the Gazala line; once it is taken, he can move north and destroy the Allied emplacements in the line.⟶
North AfricaDesert WarAfrika KorpsMilitary OffensiveBattleTank WarfareBir HakeimRommelGazala Line
💥 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