The British are once again overmatched
by Rommel's Afrika Korps despite a
valiant stand by the Commonwealth defense.
Rommel's objective is Tobruk.
The harbor there will go a long way toward
solving his supply problem. Right now all his
fuel, food and ammo come from Tripoli -
800 miles further away than Tobruk from
the Afrika Korps' front line.
The afternoon of 26 May 1942 Rommel orders
a frontal assault on a line of well-placed British
fortifications in Gazala. Defeating the enemy
is not the goal. Rather, this is a diversion.
It keeps you thinking about what's happening
in front of you.
Meanwhile...
out of the desert, off to the south,
comes a horde of Panzer tanks -
in far greater numbers than British generals
thought possible. The Brits are stunned by a right
hook, a flank attack around their best defended
outpost, Bir Hocheim, then wheels into the
Royal backyard. Their Matilda tanks all
nicely dispersed.
The matter becomes a melee.
Rommel races about the battlefield,
micromanaging as he tries to be everywhere.
The assault stalls. Casualties, heavy.
Fight, damn you.
Rommel doesn't quit.
The Free French defending Sidi Muftoh from
Rommel's onslaught, hold out for three days
before being swept from further consideration.
British resistance only increases.
The German armored punch is slowing.
Will the Afrika Korps reach Tobruk?
What will be left of it if it does?
* * * * *
OVER EASY
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