#35 - Operation Crusader - Withdrawl (4-7 Dec 1941)_Alt - PzC 04 Tobruk '41

Bir el Gubi, 4 December 1941: The final phase of the Crusader Battles occurred after Rommel finally came to the realization that he no longer had the strength to hold the British at bay. The Germans had turned back the New Zealand Division, again isolating the Tobruk garrison, but had been unable to retake ed Duda or to reestablish contact with Bardia and the frontier. The Panzers had received a much needed day of rest but prospects for regaining any real offensive capability were slim and German armor strength amounted to only 49. The situation with the British, however, was entirely different. After the 24 November retreat in near panic, the 7th Armoured Division had rested in the southern desert and had recovered to a strength of 146 tanks. Additionally, the 2nd South African Division had also been moved forward to the frontier and had relieved the 4th Indian Division for more offensive operations. Thus the British held the final edge and as 30th Corps attacked out of the desert and Rommel began the retreat to save what was left of his army. Edited by: Edward "Volcano Man" Williams. PDT and OOB files slightly altered to reflect small scale tactical desert warfare of the period. [Size: large, Length: 30 turns]