#08 - Operation Battleaxe (15-17 June 1941) - PzC 04 Tobruk '41

Libyan/Egyptian Frontier, 15 June 1941: Operation Brevity had taught the Germans several lessons about the construction, and operation, of their frontier strongpoints. During the latter part of May, and the first part of June, improvements were made, including a significant increase in the quantity, and quality, of anti-tank weapons. Provision stockpiles were also increased to the point that the Germans considered their frontier posts impregnable. Nevertheless, the offensive mindset was still strong and panzer reserves were positioned for a quick response. On the British side, Battleaxe was to be a repeat of the Brevity tactics with an increased force level. The 7th Armoured Brigade, the "Desert Rats", had been brought back up to strength with new arrivals. Significantly, the Matilda force, a tank that had proved very hard for the Germans to kill, had been more than doubled. It again turned out, however, that the Germans were learning, and adapting, faster than the British. The 88mm Flak guns employed in the frontier positions for the first time shredded the Matildas and, based on radio intercepts, the Germans were able to concentrate both their Panzer Regiments against the lone British Armoured Brigade.