The Fall of Tobruk - The Matrix Games version of West Front

During the previous two weeks, Rommel had acheived the most glorious triumph of his military career. The Gazala battles were, perhaps, one of the greatest Germen victories of WWII. On June 18, 1942, DAK had surrounded Tobruk and the Eighth Army was on the run into Egypt. Determined not to repeat his mistake of 1941, Rommel ordered that Tobruk be taken. At 0800 hrs. on June 20, 1942, the 15th and the 21st Panzer Divisions, supported by the Trieste and Ariete Divisions, attacked the Tobruk perimeter from the southeast. By midday, DAK had breached the minefields and reached the important junction known as "King's Cross." By 1600 hrs, the airfields had been overrun. At 1900 hrs., the 21st Panzer Division entered the town of Tobruk. Sparadic fighting continued inside of the perimeter during the evening, but by morning the battle was over. The Britsih lost some 32,000 prisoners, 100 tanks, and 300 guns. The way to Egypt was open.