May – June 1942 Battle of Gazala
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In wake of Operation Crusader in late 1941, General Rommel’s combined German/Italian troops were compelled to retreat west to a new defensive position at El Agheila. Both the British and the Germans resupply, replace troops and equipment during this lull in the conflict. Many British troops had been called back from the frontline to assist in improving their supply line after the 500 miles of territory they had gained during Operation Crusader.
Rommel probing the Allied lines early in January 1942 and found little resistance to his probes and began a limited offensive to the east. Rommel retook first Benghazi and then Timimi and started a push towards Tobruk. The British realizing they might be facing a second siege at Tobruk attempted to consolidate their forces forming a new line west of Tobruk and extending south from Gazala.
Rommel seeing an opportunity devised a plan designed to destroy the British armor tank divisions and cut off those divisions along the Gazala line.
In the middle of his attack Rommel’s men became trapped by the city of Bir Hakeim to the south, Tobruk to the north, and the minefields of the Allied line to the west, this area would become known as “The Cauldron”. Under constant attack by Allied armor from the north and east, Rommel’s supply situation was reaching a critical stage and he began to contemplate surrender until much needed supplies were delivered by the Italians on May 29. Rommel renewed his attack on 30 May and eventually overran the tactical headquarters of the British leading to a breakdown of command and control in the area. Rommel continued to build strength in “The Cauldron” conducting several attacks in the area reducing the Allied troops there until they were forced to evacuate. Tobruk was again under siege and this time would not be able to avoid capture. The city fell to the Axis armies on June 21, 1942
This presentation helps explain how the Battle of Gazala unfolded. This is a continuation of the presentation started in the section Operation Compass. In order to bypass information already presented press the button on the bottom of the screen labeled Rommel's 2nd Offensive.
http://www.wwiianimated.com/Rommel2Animation.html
Linked below is a power point presentation file that shows the engagement map, troop strengths at the start of the battle and losses for both the Allies and the Axis.
Rommel probing the Allied lines early in January 1942 and found little resistance to his probes and began a limited offensive to the east. Rommel retook first Benghazi and then Timimi and started a push towards Tobruk. The British realizing they might be facing a second siege at Tobruk attempted to consolidate their forces forming a new line west of Tobruk and extending south from Gazala.
Rommel seeing an opportunity devised a plan designed to destroy the British armor tank divisions and cut off those divisions along the Gazala line.
In the middle of his attack Rommel’s men became trapped by the city of Bir Hakeim to the south, Tobruk to the north, and the minefields of the Allied line to the west, this area would become known as “The Cauldron”. Under constant attack by Allied armor from the north and east, Rommel’s supply situation was reaching a critical stage and he began to contemplate surrender until much needed supplies were delivered by the Italians on May 29. Rommel renewed his attack on 30 May and eventually overran the tactical headquarters of the British leading to a breakdown of command and control in the area. Rommel continued to build strength in “The Cauldron” conducting several attacks in the area reducing the Allied troops there until they were forced to evacuate. Tobruk was again under siege and this time would not be able to avoid capture. The city fell to the Axis armies on June 21, 1942
This presentation helps explain how the Battle of Gazala unfolded. This is a continuation of the presentation started in the section Operation Compass. In order to bypass information already presented press the button on the bottom of the screen labeled Rommel's 2nd Offensive.
http://www.wwiianimated.com/Rommel2Animation.html
Linked below is a power point presentation file that shows the engagement map, troop strengths at the start of the battle and losses for both the Allies and the Axis.