#33a - Operation Crusader - Infantry Phase (24-27 Nov 1941) - PzC 04 Tobruk '41

Bir el Chleta, 24 November 1941: The second phase of the Crusader Battles was dominated by the British infantry, and their supporting Infantry Tanks, and three actions prior to 24 November would pave the way for this to occur. The first was the capture of the Sidi Omar strongpoint by the 7th Indian Brigade which provided the secure position that would break-up the German Panzer attack when it arrived. The second important action was the strong Tobruk sortie which threatened the main axis supply routes around the Tobruk fortress. The third, and most important, move was made by the New Zealand Division which advanced on Tobruk from the east in complete disregard of their unsecured supply situation and the Panzer Divisions operating on the plateau just to the south. This phase also contained Rommel's ill-conceived "dash-to-the-wire. Correctly believing that the 7th Armoured Division had been neutralized, Rommel believed that a thrust to the frontier would send the British into full flight. But while the Panzers were racing across the desert, battling to reestablish contact with the frontier positions, the New Zealanders were methodically driving to link-up with the Tobruk garrison. Both sides also missed significant opportunities to logistically cripple their opponents. The Germans came dangerously close to the string of British supply Depots located in the southern desert and similarly, the New Zealanders were well within range of the German depots along the Via Balbia. NOTE: this scenario is set-up with the dash-to-the-wire already in progress.