Tobruk, Siege of

Tobruk, Siege of (World War II) (Apr. 1941–June 1942) When General Wavell's army countered Italian attacks in the North African campaign, he captured Tobruk in January 1941, taking some 25,000 prisoners of war. In response to the Italian defeats in the campaign, the Germans formed the Afrika Korps under Rommel, which arrived in Libya in March 1941. This changed the balance of forces in the desert radically, as British forces were simultaneously siphoned off to aid Greek resistance against the Axis Powers. The British withdrew east, and in April a largely Australian garrison was left to defend Tobruk, which was subjected to an eight-month siege and bombardment. In November 1941, after being reinforced by sea, the garrison broke out, capturing Rezegh and linking up with the 8th Army troops of General Auchinleck. In June 1942, however, Rommel counter-attacked and after heavy defeats the British again withdrew, leaving a garrison of two divisions, mostly South African and Australian, in Tobruk. They were subjected to a massive onslaught by German and Italian troops and on 20 June capitulated: 23,000 prisoners and vast quantities of stores were lost. Tobruk was recaptured on 13 November by the troops of General Montgomery. The incident confirmed Australian suspicions that Britain used the troops of her Dominions lightly and without due consultation.

Dieppe Raid