Join Craig and Gaurav as they cover Rommel's drive against the British in North Africa from Gazala to El Alamein

As the year turns into 1942, there are major changes for the Axis and Allies, as the Eastern Front continues to gobble up resources that might have been diverted to the Afrika Korps, while the British are relived the Americans have entered the war. Yet, Rommel has other plans and inflicts a series of defeats on the 8th Army, while Malta continues to take a pounding from the Luftwaffe. Rommel finally invades Egypt as the British army command undergoes a massive change. Would the Desert Fox against the odds make it to the Suez?

On this Episode of the Pacific War Channel's podcast, we explore the first major surface engagement of the Guadalcanal campaign, as the Americans suffer a shock reversal at the Battle of Savo Island. We dwell into the background of the American and Japanese strategic situation into the battle, we look at the key figures and events and aftermath that went down, as America suffered a defeat that nearly ended the invasion of Guadalacanal itself

Join Craig and Gaurav as they cover Operation Crusader, the British counter offensive to relieve the seige of Tobruk.

Upon arriving in North Africa, Lt. General Erwin Rommel launched Operation Sonnenblume, transforming the campaign. His German Panzers ended the dominance of the British Matilda tanks and laid siege to Tobruk. British General Archibald Wavell’s attempts to lift the siege failed, prompting his eventual replacement by General Sir Claude Auchinleck. Auchinleck prepared for Operation Crusader, aiming to break the siege of Tobruk with a well-coordinated attack involving the 8th Army.

Despite Rommel’s initial successes, Tobruk remained a critical Allied holdout, crucial for supply lines. The Axis, facing harassment from the Royal Navy and the Desert Air Force, struggled to supply their forces over long, vulnerable routes. Seizing Tobruk was vital for the Axis to advance into Egypt.

Auchinleck’s plan for Operation Crusader involved a multi-pronged offensive. On November 18, 1941, the 8th Army launched a surprise attack. Initial successes included capturing Axis airfields and engaging Italian divisions. However, Rommel’s counterattacks led to heavy losses on both sides. The Allied breakout from Tobruk saw fierce fighting but struggled to maintain momentum due to dispersed tank units.

Rommel, seizing the opportunity, planned a counter-offensive, Operation Brandung. Despite initial Axis gains, Allied forces managed to disrupt supply lines and isolate Axis positions. The battle swung back and forth with significant losses on both sides. Ultimately, Rommel’s forces were overstretched and forced to withdraw from Tobruk by December.

By December 10, Tobruk was relieved, and Rommel’s forces retreated to form a new defensive line. Although the Axis avoided encirclement, they suffered heavy casualties and material losses. The Allies, despite their incomplete victory, had lifted the immediate threat to Egypt, marking a significant turning point in the North African campaign.