#410121_01v Compass Tobruk Full - North Africa 1941

Tobruk, Libya: January 21st, 1941. (Scenario Size: Division. Head to Head version with reduced VP's to #410121_01av. This scenario uses variable objective victory points) With the fall of Bardia, O'Connor had planned to take Tobruk quickly thereafter. The decision to use the reserve 19th Australian Brigade at Bardia, as well as the extended time to mop up the retreating Italians delayed the planned assault. It was decided to pause and refit the whole 6th Australian Division so that the fortress could be captured quickly. Though the 7th Armoured Division was available, there was little stomach to accentuate its losses attacking the Tobruk defenses. For the Italians part, though well supplied, only 23,000 men were available to defend the much larger Tobruk perimeter. The defense was built around the Italian 61st 'Sirte' Division and a range of garrison and routed troops from Egypt. Reports of a further two Italian divisions coming from Tripoli gave the garrison some hope of reinforcement.