Libya. The second Italian-German counteroffensive in Cyrenaica begins unexpectedly. Cruwell’s 15th Panzer Regiment and Zingales’ Ariete tanks are at the forefront. Caught by surprise, the British quickly retreat. They are inexperienced troops, suffering from a significant inferiority complex compared to the Afrika Corps. In two days, the Panzer Army destroys 299 tanks and armored cars, captures 147 guns, takes 950 prisoners, and suffers 11 soldiers killed and 3 tanks destroyed. Rommel once again strikes fear. Within days, the Italians and Germans reach Benghazi, under pouring rain, overwhelming the British defenses. An entire Indian division is destroyed, and 1,300 valuable trucks, fuel depots, tons of food supplies, and dozens of other tanks are captured.
