North AfricaMaj-Gen Herbert Lumsden resumes the assaults with the 2nd and 22nd Armored Brigades, the 4th Armored being diverted to some 25 damaged tanks wrongly reported to be in the vicinity of Bir Hacheim. The British again suffer heavy losses from the anti-tank guns. The 2 Armored Brigades have to combine their forces to form a composite formation. Heavy raids by Air Vice-Marshal Arthur Coningham's fighter-bombers inflict more casualties on Rommel's soft-skinned vehicles. During the day and through the night fresh supplies reach Rommel through the gap in the minefields. Had the British attacked 'The Cauldron' before Rommel was re-supplied, it would have been disastrous for the Germans. The awkward command structure of the 8th Army prevents it from being commanded. Lt-Gen Neil Ritchie seems to have been less concerned with liquidating Rommel's force in 'The Cauldron' than with mounting Operation LIMERICK. Also, the 8th Army's senior commanders argue over the action that should have been taken. |