Crusader: The Generals' Doubt
On 18 November 1941, the British launches Operation Crusader to relieve besieged Tobruk and destroy Rommel's armour. At Sidi Rezegh, a confused armoured mêlée costs the British tanks heavy losses; Rommel then launches his "dash to the wire" of the Egyptian frontier, spreading alarm as far as the rear areas.
Shaken by the losses, the commander of the , Cunningham, wants to break off the battle and withdraw to cover Egypt. Auchinleck, the Commander-in-Chief, must decide: endorse the retreat of his field commander, or override him and impose the continuation of the offensive despite the chaos.
The fate of Cyrenaica, and of British prestige against Rommel, is at stake.
In the face of the losses and the panic caused by Rommel, should Auchinleck approve the withdrawal Cunningham wants, or impose the continuation of the offensive?
Auchinleck overrode him, relieved Cunningham (replaced by Ritchie) and kept the offensive going. Rommel's gamble had worn out his armour; the British regained the initiative, relieved Tobruk on 27 November and, by the end of December 1941, drove the Axis back across Cyrenaica to El Agheila — the first clear British land victory over Rommel, even if it would prove short-lived.
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