#24 - Panzer Return (28 Nov - 1 Dec 1941) - PzC 04 Tobruk '41

ed Duda, 28 November 1941: The New Zealand Division completed the link-up with the Tobruk garrison in the early hours of 27 November and spent the rest of the day consolidating their positions on the First and Second Escarpments. At dawn on the 28th, plans were in place to attack and eliminate the German pocket located in the valley between Belhamed and Sidi Rezegh. It was hoped that this action would ultimately free up the troops necessary to defend against the panzers known to be returning from the frontier. Four days of fighting would rage in the Belhamed/Sidi Rezegh area with the Afrika Korps working to force the New Zealand Division into the Tobruk fortress while at the same time holding off the reconstituted 7th Armoured Division in the south. Ultimately the Germans would succeed but the price was high, and Rommel would soon be forced to abandon the siege.