When did Adolf Hitler issue Directive 22 ordering the dispatch of German troops to North Africa?
Adolf Hitler issued Directive 22 on the 11th of January 1941. This directive ordered the dispatch of a blocking detachment to North Africa.
Questions about Operation Sonnenblume
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who was the first German general to arrive in Libya during Operation Sonnenblume?
General Erwin Rommel arrived in Libya on the 12th of February 1941. He received orders to defend Tripoli using aggressive tactics.
What specific environmental challenges affected tank engine life in the Western Desert?
Tank engine life fell from 60 hours to 20 hours due to the harsh environment. The Sirocco wind blew clouds of fine sand that coated machinery and food while motor vehicles needed special oil filters just to operate.
Why did General Archibald Wavell underestimate the ability of Germans to mount an offensive?
General Archibald Wavell underestimated the ability of Germans to mount an offensive despite copious intelligence reports from Ultra decryption. He believed the Germans could not be ready until May when his own armored divisions would have been overhauled.
When did Rommel accept the Axis force was insufficient to capture Tobruk?
By the 2nd of May Rommel accepted the Axis force was insufficient to capture Tobruk. He prepared to repel a counter-attack from Egypt after failing to take the port in their first rush.