Under pressure from British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, General Wavell launched two attacks against the Germans in 1941. They were Operation Brevity and Operation Battleaxe.
Operation Brevity 15-16 May 1941
After some initial success, Commonwealth forces were counter-attacked by the Germans and were forced to pull back. At the end of the brief campaign, Commonwealth forces succeeded in capturing and holding onto Halfaya Pass.
Operation Skorpion 26 May 1941
The Germans attack Halfaya Pass and succeed in recapturing it.
Operation Battleaxe
Operation Battleaxe was launched on 15 June 1941. General Wavell’s goal was to push the Germans back and advance to liberate Tobruk. 4th Indian Division and 4th Armoured Brigade (equipped with Matilda IIs) were ordered to engage enemy forces in the vicinity of Halfaya. The cruiser equipped 7th Armoured Division was to move in a wide sweep toward Hafid Ridge.
Brevity to Battleaxe Battle Groups
The next few posts provide Battle Groups for Commonwealth Cruisers and German Panzers for use with Armour Battles and Combat HQ.
