06/03/42 - North Africa By this day Lt-Gen Neil Ritchie determines to ignore LIMERICK in favor of an all-out assault on the Cauldron which is planned for 2 days later. Ritchie's offensive plan is named Operation ABERDEEN. It calls for a holding attack against the Sidra Ridge on the north of the Cauldron by the 69th Brigade of the 50th Division, supported by the 32nd Army Tank Brigade. The main assault is to be delivered against the Aslagh Ridge on Rommel's eastern flank by the 5th Indian Division. The 10th Brigade would seize the Ridge with the aid of the Valentines of the 4th Royal Tanks. Next, the 22nd Armored Brigade, now under Maj-Gen Frank Messervy, would move on Sidi Muftah. The ground won is to be secured by the 9th Indian Brigade, after which the 22nd Armored Brigade would push northward to attack the Sidra Ridge from the rear. The Desert Air Force will be called upon to assist.
While the main body of the 8th Army is concentrating on ABERDEEN or distracted by LIMERICK, the garrison at Bir Hacheim holds off attacks by the 90th Light and Trieste Divs backed by the full weight of Kesselring's airmen. These are helped by the Desert Air Force who attack enemy troops or supply vehicles and fight with the Luftwaffe. Tomahawks of the 5th Squadron SAAF claim 10 Stukas while losing 5 of their own to the enemy fighters.
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