Hello, and thank you for listening to the history of World War II podcast, Episode 177.

Rahmul retreats, the end of Operation Crusader.

As the second battle for City Rezeg shaped up, Rahmul had an idea of how to defeat the

hard-buy enemy forces at City Rezeg.

He would go after Fryberg's New Zealand division, who were separated from their armor.

However, as had become the custom, his orders to General Crueville came to late in the night

to implement.

No matter, Crueville had, again, anticipated his military master and issued his own orders.

Yes, his plans were bold.

They would see the end of Allied resistance in the area and close the door to Tobruk once

again, if all worked out.

Basically, where Rahmul sought to overwhelm and destroy, Crueville would attempt encirclement.

Rahmul's was more direct thinking, but would lose more of his men.

Crueville's way would develop more slowly, which brought its own risks, but would save

hundreds of their soldier's lives.

The Rahmul's plan had been used.

He would have attacked the 6th New Zealand Brigade on the City Rezeg Ridge and the 4th New

Zealand Brigade at Bejamed on the Ridge just north of Rezeg from the north.

This full-out attack would have come from the former Africa Division, recently renamed

the 90th Light Division, and if successful, would have driven the New Zealanders away

from the airfield.

And Tobruk to then be hit by the Aerie Etae Division further south.

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