#10 - Sidi Rezegh (19-20 November 1941) - PzC 04 Tobruk '41

Sidi Rezegh, 19 November 1941: After reaching the concentration area at Gabr Saleh on 18 November, the Crusader plan called for 7th Armoured Division to await the Afrika Korps' reaction. But, based on a lack of German movement and concern over maintaining the initiative, the British command decided to force the issue. The main thrust of the Division would be made by 7th Armoured Brigade and the Support Group. They were ordered to approach ed Duda from the southeast, with the objective of setting up favorable conditions for a breakout by the garrison. The German and Italian preparations for the assault on Tobruk had also brought a number of formations to the area southeast of the perimeter. Holding the line were elements of the Italian Bologna, and German Afrika Divisions, along with the heavy artillery of the Boettcher Group. Fortunately, part of this force was facing south covering the escarpments, as they stepped down in layers, from the inland plateau to the coastal plain. It was here, near the tomb of the Muslim Prophet, Sidi Rezegh, and the airfield that also carried his name, that the 7th Armoured Brigade attacked on the afternoon of 20 November. And it was here, that the bloody struggles that would characterize Crusader would rage for nearly a week.