The greatest military reversal of South African arms: the fall of Tobruk 1942, an avoidable blunder or an inevitable disaster?
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Date
2012
Authors
Katz, David
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State
Abstract
The surrender of Tobruk 70 years ago was a major catastrophe for the Allied war effort, considerably
weakening their military position in North Africa, as well as causing political embarrassment to the
leaders of South Africa and the United Kingdom. This article re-examines the circumstances surrounding
and leading to the surrender of Tobruk in June 1942, in what amounted to the largest reversal of arms
suffered by South Africa in its military history. By making use of primary documents and secondary
sources as evidence, the article seeks a better understanding of the events that surrounded this tragedy.
A brief background is given in the form of a chronological synopsis of the battles and manoeuvres
leading up to the investment of Tobruk, followed by a detailed account of the offensive launched on
20 June 1942 by the Germans on the hapless defenders. The sudden and unexpected surrender of the
garrison is examined and an explanation for the rapid collapse offered, as well as considering what may
have transpired had the garrison been better prepared and led.
Description
Keywords
South Africa, HB Klopper, Union war histories, Freeborn, Gazala, Eighth army, Court of enquiry, North Africa, 1st South African Division
Citation
Katz, D. (2012). The greatest military reversal of South African arms: the fall of Tobruk 1942, an avoidable blunder or an inevitable disaster? Journal for Contemporary History, 37(2), 71-104.