Osprey - Operation Crusader 1941: Rommel in Retreat

By Ken Ford

Written by popular author, Ken Ford, Operation Crusader tells the story of the British victory that proved their ability to fight against the Germans in Africa

On 18 November 1941, the British launched Operation Crusader against the Axis positions in Africa. The plan was to bring the armour of the German Afrika Korps to battle and to beat it in open warfare with the now superior strength of Eighth Army, and to relieve the isolated British garrison at Tobruk. Initially meeting with disaster, the British redoubled their efforts, fought through to Tobruk, and pushed back Rommel's Afrika Korps.