THE GAZALA LINE BATTLES

MAY 26-27 1942

The 8th Army front extended from Gazala to Bir Hacheim and was interlaced with huge minefields of a scale and complexity never encountered before. Behind this line loomed the strongly defended boxes of Knightsbridge and El Adem and finally Tobruk, occupied by experienced desert fighters. Even Rommel underestimated the strength of the forces mustered here. However, within 3 weeks of opening his offensive, Rommel would reduce this magnificent British army to a state of complete rout.

DAK GUNS - Panzer IV - Medium Tank

A Panzer IV penetrating the Mersa Matrouh perimeter

DAK GUNS - Panzer III

Panzer III - Medium Tank

 

A brandnew Panzer III of Panzerregiment 8, 15. Panzerdivision

German re-armament plans in the 1930's called for the new panzer battalions to be constitued of three light-medium tank companies and one heavy-medium company. The lighter tank, wich was to form the bulk of the panzer force for much of the war and remain in production to its end, was the Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfw or Panzer III). One reason for this sucess was that a turret ring diameter was specified that allow upgunning to higher-calibre weapons that 37mm (1.41in) gun originaly fitted.

DAK GUNS - Panzer VI Tiger - Heavy Tank

The Tiger "121" from the Schwere Panzerabteilung 501 in Tunis (Colorized Picture)

DAK GUNS - Panzer II - Light Tank

PANZERS OF THE DEUTSCHES AFRIKAKORPS