Along the Via Balbia DTO (id:#61035)

(Afrikakorps - AK010 Along the Via Balbia ID: AK 76)   [next]   [previous]

Near Fuka, Egypt 1942-06-30 (1 other)

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Overview:

All Axis supply traffic in North Africa moved eastward along the Via Balbia, the coast road that stretched from El Alamein to Tripoli. Rommel depended on this lifeline for his supplies, well known to the Allied command. For the first time, British fighter-bombers roar overhead looking for prey. As the Gazala positions crumbled, Rommel pushed his men and machines ever eastward along the Via Balbia, in pursuit of what he thought was a beaten enemy. Rommel’s best troops raced forward in the van. Italian units followed behind. The Desert Fox knew the enemy was in disarray. Rommel also knew British supply lines and the ability to move units into the front line improved with every retrograde mile they retreated. The Italian XX Corps began moving east along the Via Balbia late on June 30, heading for participation in Rommel’s last ditch attempt to reach Alexandria. Their trip would not go without incident as the British suddenly appeared from the desert flank, precipitating a vicious firefight. Their tormentors were units of the British 7th Motorized Brigade, sent forward to buy time for a new line to be formed at El Alamein. The quick-hitting unit handled the Italians roughly before pulling up stakes and moving off. The resulting Axis losses were not serious in terms of manpower. They were in terms of the time bought by tying up the coast road...

Defender: Italian (Italian XX Corps)  

Errata (source)