Praeger - Tobruk 1941 - Rommel's Opening Move

Author: Jon Latimer
Illustrator: Jim Laurier
Publisher: Praeger Publishers, February 2004
ISBN 0-275-98287-4
Hardcover, 96 pages, measures (in inches) 9.8 x 7.5 x 0.5

About this Book
In March 1941, with Wavell's British troops having routed the Italians from Cyrenaica, General Erwin Rommel arrived in Tripoli to command the Deutsches Afrikakorps. Over the next two years the Afrikakorps and its commander would become legendary. In his first offensive, Rommel swept across the desert, driving the British back to the Egyptian frontier and capturing much of the 2nd Armoured Division in the process. One thorn remained in his side - the vital port of Tobruk continued to resist. If it could hold out Rommel's offensive might be halted. Wavell instructed General Morshead and his garrison of 30,000 determined Australians to hold at all cost. The scene was set for one of the epic struggles of the desert war.

Contents

• Origins of the Campaign
  
• Opposing Commanders
  
• Opposing Armies
  
• Opposing Plans
  
• Reconnaissance in France
  
• Tobruk Besieged
  
• The May Assault
  
• Operation BREVITY
  
• Operation BATTLEAXE
  
• The Rats of Tobruk
  
• Aftermath
  
• Chronology
  
• Bibliography
  
• Index