German 88 Anti-Aircraft Gun, an Anti-Tank Gun
Early on the morning of 15 June 1941 elements of the 11th Indian Brigade, supported by 12 Matilda tanks, launched an attack on the German positions defending the upper end of Halfaya Pass. This was the opening phase of Operation BATTLEAXE which was meant to reclaim the Pass and destroy the Axis forces along the Egyptian frontier.
At this time the British Matilda II tank was almost immune to the standard German anti-tank guns. It claimed 78mm maximum frontal armor, and its 2pdr main armament was a match for the German panzers of the time. However, as they approached the German positions that morning, five dug-in German 88s dispatched 11 if them in short order.
Although deadly, they were also easy targets for incoming artillery unless dug into prepared positions. At this time it is estimated that the Germans had thirteen 8.8cm guns at their disposal on the Egyptian frontier. Four others were dug in along Hafid Ridge west of Ft. Capuzzo, and these would also take a heavy toll on the British 7th Armored Division that day. The remaining four were part of the mobile reserve. During this 3 day battle the British lost 64 of their heavy Infantry tanks, plus 27 Cruisers to anti-tank and tank guns, along with other causes. However, it was the 88 which did the greatest amount of damage during these attacks, since their killing range was so great that they could engage enemy armor long before it could engage them.