7th Panzer Division Ghost Division 1935-1945 by Atenas Editores Asociados

Author:Atenas Editores Asociados
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-05-04T16:00:00+00:00

Rommel's first desert offensive

Strategic directives came from Rome, but the real control was applied from Berlin, and it was there, during a visit on 19 March, that Rommel received fresh instructions. The 5th Light Division was now firmly established alongside the Italians at Mugtaa, and British patrols had been pushed back, their Army having made no further effort to advance in strength. Hitler decorated Rommel with the Oakleaves of the Iron Cross, and the Commander-in-Chief, Walter von Brauchitsch, laid down that he must concen­trate on the defence of Tripolitania and only plan for the recapture of Cyrenaica. Upon his return to the front on the 23rd, however, Rommel received reports that the British had thinned out at El Agheila. This was irresist­ible. At once, he told the 5th Light Division to seize the place next day, successfully carry­ing out a plan he had formulated prior to the Berlin visit. With El Agheila in his hands and the 5th Light Division again released for mobile action, success prompted him a step further. Since it was among his principles that a supine enemy must need be harried, he ordered his forces to probe forward against the defile at Mersa Brega, which was known to be strongly held by the British. Its posses­sion would considerably improve his water supplies. At the same time, he made plans for a reconnaissance 160 miles to the south-east, to the oasis of Jalo, which posed a threat to his flank so long as it was occupied by the enemy. [85]

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