November 1941

North Africa

Both panzer divisions rejoin the Axis forces near the old Sidi-Rezegh battlefield. The Afrika Korps passes to the north of the main body of the XXX Corps which now consists only of the remaining units of the 7th Armored Division plus the 1st South African Bde. The 22nd Guards Bde which had been dispersed into 'Jock Columns' lies southeast of the 3rd Escarpment, which is still in Axis hands as was the area north of the 1st Escarpment. The 1st Escarpment is held by the 8th Army from Ed Duda, now secured by the Tobruk garrison, eastward to the 4th New Zealand's position at Belhamed and Zaafron. The 2nd Escarpment is in the hands of the 6th New Zealand Bde.

The Germans plan a major assault in the Sidi Rezegh area for the next day. The 21st Panzer is to advance into the gap between the 1st and 2nd Escarpments, but division commander, Maj-Gen Johann von Ravenstein, is captured when he drives into a well-camouflaged New Zealand position. He is replaced by Maj-Gen Karl Böttcher whose inexperience leads 21st Panzer to do little and achieve less over the next 3 days. Maj-Gen Walther Neumann-Silkow's 15th Pzr moves first to the north of the 3rd Escarpment, then to the west of the 2nd Escarpment before finally attacking Ed Duda in the 1st Escarpment at 1300. The fight here rages all afternoon, but the Tobruk garrison holds until after dark when a skillful counterattack by the Matildas flings back the assailants with heavy losses.

Only the Italian armor proves successful. The Ariete Div, whose job was protecting the German rear, advances slowly northward toward Sidi Rezegh. The British tanks which Gott had concentrated under Brig Alexander H. Gatehouse's command attempts to pursue, but is halted by Ariete's anti-tank guns. As a result, Gatehouse is unable to reach the 2nd Escarpment, with the result that Brig Dan Pienaar's 1st South African Bde, intending to join the 6th New Zealand Bde on the escarpment, is also reluctant to proceed too far north unsupported.

The New Zealanders are expecting the South Africans to show up at any moment. In late afternoon, a strong force appears making for Point 171 from the southeast with no attempt at concealment which is believed to be the South Africans. It turns out to be the Ariete Div who thought the position had already fallen to their allies. By the time the New Zealanders discover the mistake, it is too late. By nightfall Point 175 has been lost, together with about 200 prisoners.