Hello, and thank you for listening to the history of World War II podcast, Episode 387,

The Battle of the Cauldron.

Last time, as Roma was forced to pull his forces together for mutual support, a Cauldron

or box was formed, just east of where the 150th Brigade Group had been, itself just behind

the southern end of the minefield that ran the length of the defensive line.

This had worked, as his panzers, artillery and infantry were now able to support each other,

but it also allowed the desert fox to peel off a few divisions to attack the 150th Brigade

Group.

As the 8th Army Commander Richie was unaware of what was happening, this allowed Roma to

destroy the unfortunate Brigade Group.

As things stood, the Axis Force had its supply lines reopened, they were able to defend

themselves, and Richie was not only forced to give up his plan of attack, but by the end

of June 1st, 1942, he realized he had lost a Brigade Group.

He was back to the drawing board, with Rommel still in his rear.

Of course there is another way to look at the current situation, the way Rommel was viewing

it.

He and his were not trapped in the Cauldron, but instead theirs was an oddly shaped wedge

behind the main defensive line, with fresh supplies on the way.

With that, the desert fox was not thinking of defense or retreat, but rather the best

way to move forward, along with how to destroy 8th Army.

It was time to peruse the maps.

Contrast that with 8th Army Headquarters.

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