#21 - Leave it to the Infantry (24-27 Nov 1941) - PzC 04 Tobruk '41

Bir el Chleta, 24 November 1941: During the planning of Crusader, General Freyberg, commander of the New Zealand Division, commented that he thought that there was not enough infantry being committed with armored units of 30th Corps and as the battles around Sidi Rezegh raged, it became more and more apparent that he had been correct. Thus after moving into the Sidi Azaiz area, behind the German frontier positions, and establishing roadblocks along the Via Balbia and Trigh Capuzzo, the New Zealand Division was ordered to send two of its three Brigades west to the Tobruk area. Their arrival, supported by Infantry Tanks, coincided with Rommel's drive to the wire, leaving the Infantry of the Afrika and Bologna Divisions to fend for themselves. What ensued was a four day struggle that would not only result in the link-up with Tobruk but would also see the New Zealanders as masters of the Sidi Rezegh and Belhamed ridges.