01/25/42 - North Africa - Rommel strikes north for Msus. The 1st Armored Div is routed by Maj-Gen Gustav von Vaerst's 15th Panzer Div. On learning of the fall of Msus, XIII Coprs commander Lt-Gen Reade Godwin-Austen orders Maj-Gen Frank Messervy to retire to Mechili, while the 7th Indian Brigade evacuates Benghazi and follows. This decision is approved by Messervy and Maj-Gen Francis S. Tuker but not by General Claude Auchinleck, British commander in the Middle East. Auchinleck flies to Ritchie's Headquarters where he stays until 1 February to offer advice.
Tuker's 4th Indian Div - the 7th Indian Brigade - is ordered to hold Benghazi and at the same time attack to the southeast in the direction of Antelat against Rommel's communications. Meanwhile the 1st Armored Div is to protect Tuker's left flank and also block any Axis advance from Msus. Neither Godwin-Austen nor Messervy nor Tuker is happy with the new plans. Their warnings are over-ruled and to ensure that Auchinleck's wishes are met, Ritchie takes command of the 4th Indian Div. Unhappily, the warnings prove justified. The British become spread out and static in trying to cover the 140 mile stretch between Benghazi and Mechili, while Rommel from his central position at Msus, is allowed the time and freedom to develop his action on a choice of alternate objectives.
The bad weather improves allowing the Desert Air Force to destroy or damage 120 Axis vehicles.