July 1942

North Africa

The attack begins at midnight the night of the 26th/27th. The same errors are made as in the previous two disasters.

The 24th Armored Brigade is to seize the eastern end of the Miteirya Ridge in order to protect the South African units which are to break through the enemy minefields southeast of the Ridge to make gaps through which the 69th Brigade can pass. The 69th Brigade then is to strike southwest to capture Deir el Dhib, a small depression north of Deir el Shein. With Deir el Shib in British hands, the 2nd Armored Brigade and the 4th Light Armored Brigade would advance to it and swing to the northwest and break through the enemy's defenses.