The French used the same tactics as the day
before: they immediately counterattacked with one half platoon making a wide flanking
move to the northeast, while the other half platoon tried to fix the enemy by fire.
After two hours of combat and two Italian trucks ablaze, the Sahariana gave up and
withdrew to El Haouari oasis. Since Leclerc’s troops were henceforward free to
maneuver and harass the already demoralized fort garrison, the complete surrender
of the Italians was strongly suggested and solemnly accepted by Leclerc on 1st March.
This first French victory was eventually acquired for only 4 KIA, 21 wounded and
the loss of about 5 trucks (including one mounting a gun). This battle was signatory
in that it symbolized the reentry of France into the war.
Attacker: Italian (Sahariana di Cufra (compagnia sahariana no. 19))
Defender: Free French (De Rennepont Platoon, Leclerc's Column)
