#20a - Sunday of the Dead (23 November 1941) - PzC 04 Tobruk '41

Sidi Rezegh, 23 November 23 1941: In the German Lutheran calendar, the third Sunday in November is known as Totensonntag (Sunday of the Dead), a Memorial Day to honor the deceased. For the men in the desert, in 1941, this "title" would take on new meaning. As night fell on 22 November, the remnants of 7th Armoured Division retreated south from the escarpment at Sidi Rezegh, and laagered in the desert. All were hopeful, as the 5th South African Brigade had moved forward to face the Germans to the north, with the 1st Brigade not far behind. From the east, the New Zealanders were advancing, and many expected the advance toward Tobruk to be resumed. But again, the Afrika Korps held the previous day's battlefield, and the German tank recovery teams had worked through the night. Rommel transmitted his orders for the combined Panzer Divisions to attack south, driving the British onto the defenses of the Ariete still located at Bir el Gubi. Had the attack been executed in this fashion, it would probably have been defeated due to the preparations of the British. But Rommel's orders were delayed and Cruewell at DAK headquarters made his own plans. 15th Panzer Division, with the tanks of 21st Panzer, would slice from northeast to southwest, across the rear of the British position. They would then join forces with the Ariete and drive the British onto the defensive positions along the escarpment. The morning attack caused havoc in the British rear echelons, stretching away to the south, but this was nothing compared to the thrusts of the afternoon. By nightfall, the 5th South African Brigade had ceased to exist as a fighting force, and the armored strength of 7th Armoured Division was reduced to that of a battalion. [Size: large, Length: 6 turns]