1941 ⟶ Siege of Tobruk Begins; Axis Forces Advance

Germans encircle the port of Tobruk, Libya, opening the sieg...

Year

1941

1942

🛡️ Siege of Tobruk Begins; Axis Forces Advance

Germans encircle the port of Tobruk, Libya, opening the siege; some of Rommel's forces move east to take Fort Capuzzo and Sollum, on the border with Egypt.⟶

LibyaTobrukSiegeAfrika KorpsDesert WarMilitary CampaignAxis Powers

🐪 Rommel's Forces Advance in Libya

The northern wing of Rommel's forces take Derna, on the Libyan coast. The southern wing moves toward Mechili, and takes it on the 8th.⟶

North AfricaLibyaDesert WarAfrika KorpsRommelMilitary CampaignAxis Powers

🇩🇪 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 Forces Reach El Gazala

Rommel's forces reach El Gazala, Libya, near the border with Egypt; during a "Winter lull" he will remain there.⟶

North AfricaAfrika KorpsEl GazalaMilitary CampaignLibyaEgypt

⚔️ Tobruk Surrounded

Tobruk is now surrounded.⟶

North AfricaTobrukSiegeMilitary OperationsWarfareAfrika KorpsAxis PowersAllied Forces

💣 Siege of Tobruk Intensifies

The siege of Tobruk intensifies; some defending forces are pulled back to Egypt.⟶

North AfricaTobrukSiegeMilitary OperationsWarfareAfrika KorpsAxis PowersAllied ForcesEgypt