July 1942

North Africa

At 0630 the Aussies renew pressure to the east and south capturing the remainder of Tell el Eisa. Meanwhile the remainder of Rommel's striking force arrives. The attackers meet heavy artillery fire and the lack of liaison with the Allied air means they are unable to prevent several effective attacks by Stukas and Ju-88s. A chance encounter by Kittyhawks of No 2 Squadron SAAF and Tomahawks of No 5 Squadron SAAF sight a group of 30 Stukas while escorting Boston bombers. They shoot down 2 Stukas and 2 Me-109s but lose 4 of their own in the encounter.

By the end of the day Auchinleck's second offensive has failed.

Over the next three days Rommel delivers a series of local counterattacks but fails to dislodge either the Australians or the South Africans.

Auchinleck should launch another attack before the Panzer Army Africa has a chance to recover, but he does not worrying about a possible German breakout from the Caucasus.