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Tobruk campaign map, November 1941-October 1942
The British launch Operation Crusader in November 1941 to destroy the Afrika Korps (German Africa Corps) and lift the siege of Tobruk. The New Zealand Division attacks German-Italian strongpoints near the Libyan border. Fighting their way westwards toward Tobruk, they suffer heavy losses at Sidi Rezegh and Belhamed.
After the success at the second battle of El Alamein in October 1942, the New Zealand Division pursues retreating German-Italian forces across Egypt. They easily defeat a rearguard force at Halfaya Pass, capturing 600 prisoners for the loss of only two casualties.
Credit
Map from Megan Hutching (ed.), The Desert Road: New Zealanders Remember the North African Campaign, Auckland, 2005
