#15c - Multi-Layer Battle [Hypothetical] (21-22 Nov 1941) - PzC 04 Tobruk '41

Sidi Rezegh, 21 November 1941: In 1941, there wasn't a War College in the world that would have considered the tactical situation of 21 November 1941 as one that could ever present itself. The forces locked in battle made up quite a layer cake, and almost no one had a secure flank or rear. On the inside was the Tobruk Fortress, reinforced, and ordered to break-out. The next layer consisted of a mixed force of German and Italian troops, not only maintaining the siege, but also keeping at bay the two British brigades intent on linking up with the garrison. Next came the 7th Armoured Brigade and Support Group, holding the top of the escarpment at Sidi Rezegh, a mere 20km from the Tobruk garrison. Next came the two panzer divisions of the Afrika Korps, rushing north to reclaim Sidi Rezegh, and insure that the siege of Tobruk was maintained. Bringing up the rear was the British 4th, and 22nd Armoured Brigades, believing that they were conducting a pursuit of the "retreating" panzers. After two days of brutal fighting, the 7th Armoured Division ended up on the short end of the stick. By the afternoon of 22 November, the Division was down to less than 100 "runners" out of the almost 500 tanks that had crossed the border on 18 November. German losses had been surprisingly light and, when they laagered for the night on the field at Sidi Rezegh, they still had 160 operational panzers. Historically, the Italian Ariete Armored and Pavia Infantry Divisions were close by but took no part in the two day fight for the airfield. This was arguably probably Rommel's best opportunity to destroy 30th Corps and bring the Crusader Offensive to a halt.