1942 ⟶ Siege of Tobruk Intensifies
The siege of Tobruk intensifies; some defending forces are p...
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 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 Halts Tobruk Offensive
Rommel is ordered to cease attacks on Tobruk after another failure.⟶
North AfricaDesert WarRommelTobrukAxisBritishEgyptMilitary CampaignAfrika KorpsFailed Offensive
⚔️ Tobruk Surrounded
Tobruk is now surrounded.⟶
North AfricaTobrukSiegeMilitary OperationsWarfareAfrika KorpsAxis PowersAllied Forces
🚩 Afrika Korps Recaptures Tobruk
Afrika Korps recaptures Tobruk, with 35,000 men captured; the road to Egypt is now open as the British retreat deep into Egypt. Tobruk's loss is a grievous blow to British morale. German land forces have been assisted by Luftwaffe attacks.⟶
North AfricaTobrukMilitary DefeatAfrika KorpsGerman ArmyAllied ForcesWarfareStrategic RetreatAxis Victory