Rommel and Tobruk
Rommel and Tobruk
Did Rommel ever manage to land supplies in Tobruk after taking it? If so, how did he make it safe for ships to do so?
Re: Rommel and Tobruk
"Safe": Ships unloaded without loss.
Re: Rommel and Tobruk
It is responsbility of Navy, not him.
Re: Rommel and Tobruk
Tobruk fell into German hands on the 20th June and the decisive battle fought at el Alemein opened on the 23rd october. So Rommel only had a 3 month period to benefit from a close port. But re-inforcements were not a German priority in that theatre at that point so I would be surprised if it had a major impact. And we must also consider the level of italian merchant navy losses in this period, with supply routes to tobruk fairly well covered by allied air and sea power. In fact his capture of tobruk convinced Hitler that he did not need to expand operations in the med theatre so we could view this a pyrrhic victory for Rommel.....
Re: Rommel and Tobruk
Yes, and the last Axis ship to Tobruk arrived on October 4, 1942.
"Everything remained theory and hypothesis. On paper, in his plans, in his head, he juggled with Geschwaders and Divisions, while in reality there were really only makeshift squadrons at his disposal."