Britannica
Sources used in this answer
- World War II - Egypt and Cyrenaica , 1940–summer 1941
- North Africa campaigns - Egypt and Cyrenaica (June 1940–June 1941)
- North Africa campaigns - The Second Battle of El-Alamein
- North Africa campaigns - Rommel’s advance and the fall of Tobruk
- World War II - Libya and Egypt , autumn 1941–summer 1942
- Battles of El-Alamein
How did Erwin Rommel retake Cyrenaica from British forces in 1941?
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Erwin Rommel
Erwin Rommel, 1941.
In early 1941, following the British conquest of Cyrenaica, Erwin Rommel was appointed by Adolf Hitler to command German forces sent to assist the Italians in North Africa.21
Although he was initially ordered to hold his position until his full force arrived, Rommel launched an offensive with the limited troops he had available in Tripolitania. His success was driven by an audacious initiative that exploited the depleted state of British forces, which had been weakened by the redeployment of troops to Greece.21
Key developments in his retaking of the region included:
- March 1941: Rommel occupied Agheila on March 24 and Mersa Bréga on March 31 with ease.21
- April 1941: Despite orders to remain stationary, he resumed his advance on April 2 with 50 tanks and two Italian divisions.21
- Outcome: The British evacuated Benghazi on April 3 and began a rapid retreat toward Egypt. By April 11, Rommel had reconquered all of Cyrenaica, with the notable exception of the fortress at Tobruk, which held out against his siege.21