The enemy’s firm stand at Agedabia and his orderly withdrawal to Agheila was therefore of far greater significance to me and to all my thought than the mere arrest of our westward movement in the Desert. In fact, it was an adverse point in my whole theme of discussion with the President. However, it seemed from General Auchinleck’s next telegrams that all was still going well and that the decisive action impended.

General Auchinleck

12 Jan. 42

to Prime Minister

I do not think it can be said that bulk of enemy divisions have evaded us. It is true that he still speaks in terms of divisions, but they are divisions only in name. For instance, we know that strength of 90th German Light Division, originally 9000, is now 3500, and it has only one field gun left.

2. I estimate that not more than one-third of original German-Italian forces got away round the corner, totalling 17,000 Germans and 18,000 Italians. These are much disorganised, short of senior officers, short of material, and due to our continuous pressure are tired and certainly not as strong as their total strength, 35,000, might be thought to indicate.

The Hinge of Fate

42

3. I have reason to believe six ships recently reached Tripoli, averaging 7200 tons.

4. I am convinced that we should press forward with

“Acrobat,” for many reasons, not the least in order that Germany may continue to be attacked on two fronts, Russia and Libya. I promise you I will not be led into any rash adventure, nor will General Ritchie, but in view of heartening news from Russian front I feel that we should do all we can to maintain the pressure in Libya…. I am convinced the enemy is hard-pressed more than we dared to think.

General Auchinleck

12 Jan. 42

to Prime Minister

Enemy appears to have completed his withdrawal to the Mersa-El Brega-Maatex-Giofen-Agheila area, and our troops are in touch with him on his eastern and southern fronts. From our knowledge of his dispositions it seems that his formations and units are numerically weak and that he is eking out his scant resources in German troops to stiffen the remnants of the Italian divisions.

2. Benghazi is developing well as a ground base, but the unloading and shipping are hampered by bad weather,

which

continues

unabating,

including

atrocious sandstorms, which reduce visibility to nil.

3. General Ritchie is going ahead with his plans, and I hope we shall soon have stronger forces concentrated forward. Evidence as to enemy weakness and disorganisation is growing daily.

Prime Minister to

13 Jan. 42

General Auchinleck

Very pleased with your message of 12th. I am showing it to the President today. I am sure you are quite right to push on and bid highly for decision in battle on Agheila-Marada front. Will support you whatever the result.

The Hinge of Fate

43

From January 12 to January 21 Rommel’s army remained motionless in the Agheila position, holding the gap of about fifty miles from the Mediterranean to what was called the

“Libyan Sand Sea” to the southward.