Ariete on Totensonntag DTO (id:#62953)

(March Madness 2017 Hollis Partisans Pack ID: MM 33)   [next]   [previous]

Sidi Rezegh, Libya 1941-11-23 (5 others)

Overview:

Four days into Operation Crusader, the parallel escarpments south-east of Tobruk had merged as the main focus of the fighting. On the afternoon of 22 November, 1941, 5thSouth African (SA) Infantry Brigade (Bde) attempted to assault the southern escarpment, but was repulsed. The Brigade established a leaguer approximately two miles to the south. Elements of the 7th Armoured Division deployed both to the west (2nd Armoured Brigade) and east (Support Group) of the South Africans. Realizing a daring opportunity, General Crüwell (DAK commander) sent 15th Panzer Division and 5th Panzer Regiment, 21st Panzer around the eastern edge of the escarpment during the morning of 23 November and skirted the southern flanks of the Support Group and 5th SA Bde - directly west through and dispersing both formations B Echelons (logistics battalions). Shortly after noon, DAK made contact with Ariete Armored Division north-east of Bir el Gubi. The Axis forces marshalled together to attack north - and to hammer the Commonwealth formations against the anvil of German units holding the southern escarpment.

Defender: British (1st South African25 pdr Battery, 5tyh South African Brigade, 1st SA Infantry division and 22nd Armoured Brigade, k7th Armoured Division9th SA Field5th South African Brigade, 1st SA Division,)  

Errata (source)