Operation Battleaxe — British Army operation during the Second World War in June 1941
Operation Battleaxe's failure to relieve Tobruk led directly to the replacement of General Wavell as British Commander-in-Chief Middle East.
Key Facts
- Duration
- 15–17 June 1941
- Tank losses on first day
- Over half of British tanks
- Objective
- Raise Siege of Tobruk and retake eastern Cyrenaica
- British commander replaced
- General Sir Archibald Wavell
- Historical first
- First significant German defensive action of the war
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
German and Italian forces had besieged Tobruk and seized eastern Cyrenaica, prompting British commanders to plan an offensive to relieve the garrison and recover lost territory in North Africa.
From 15 to 17 June 1941, British forces launched a three-pronged assault but lost over half their tanks on the first day. On the second day they repulsed a German counter-attack in the centre while being pushed back on their western flank. On the third day they withdrew just ahead of a German encircling movement, narrowly avoiding complete destruction.
The operation's failure to break the Siege of Tobruk or retake eastern Cyrenaica resulted in General Sir Archibald Wavell being relieved as Commander-in-Chief Middle East and replaced by Claude Auchinleck, while Wavell was transferred to the role of Commander-in-Chief, India.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General Sir Archibald Wavell, Claude Auchinleck.
Side B
2 belligerents