Index

Ships of all nationalities are in their alphabetical places in italics.

Groups, Wings, Squadrons and other units of the RAF are under Royal Air Force. Squadrons of the FAA are under Fleet Air Arm.

Squadrons of the RAAF and SAAF are under Royal Australian Air Force and South African Air Force.

Corps, Divisions, Brigades and Battalions of the British forces are under those headings.

Cavalry and armoured units are listed under Regiments.

Other units and branches of the Army are under their titles: e.g. Royal Artillery.

Formations of the German and Italian Armies are under German Army or Italian Army.

–A–

Aagtekirk, m.v.: 248n, 309

Abdiel, HMS: 2, 25, 173

Abruzzi: 382n, 388

‘Ackcol’: 342

ACROBAT: importance of, 119, 142

and withdrawals from Middle East, 123, 125-6, 133

and retreat to Gazala, 153

mentioned, 204

Acroma: defence of, 217, 238, 242-3, 247

loss of, 264

Admiralty: and human torpedoes, 115

and reinforcements, 117, 124

and convoys to Malta, 182, 303

on 10th Submarine Flotilla, 185

and long-range bombers, 190

Adriatico: 106

Agedabia: airfield raided, 89

actions at, 91-2, 140-1

air attacks on, 150

Agnew, Captain W. G.: 103-4

Aimone-Cat, General Mario: 21

Aircraft:

reclassification of bombers, 93

particulars of, 445-56

arrivals of in Middle East, 458-9

Airedale, 312

Airfields:

in an advance, 13

in Cyrenaica affecting Malta, 156, 161, 200, 280

in a retreat, 282

Air Ministry: 94, 205-6

Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Middle East: see Tedder, and for joint action, Commanders-in-Chief

Air Support:

and lessons from Operation ‘Battleaxe, 13-4

control of, 14, 208

in Operation CRUSADER, 14-5, 19, 35, 51, 76, 94, 98-9

problems of bomb-line, 35, 83, 208, 234-5, 293, 296, 336

identification in, 35, 55, 208

first use of fighter-bombers for, 43

comparison of British with enemy, 71

in retreat to Gazala, 138-9, 146-7

further development of, 208

first use of tank-destroying Hurricanes in, 235

in Battle of Gazala, 245, 255-6, 258

in defence of Tobruk, 259

in withdrawal to Matruh, 280-2

and round the clock bombing, 288, 337

in withdrawal to El Alamein, 295-6

in fighting at El Alamein, 335-7

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 385, 391

Ajax, HMS: 43, 96, 105

Alagi: 320

Alam el Halfa: Battle of, 383-91

Albastro: 329

Alberto Fassio: 382n

Alexander, General the Hon. Sir Harold: see also Commanders-in-Chief

and GYMNAST, 121

on training, 153

replaces Auchinleck, 205, 367-9

Prime Minister’s directive to, 369

and morale of 8th Army, 369-70

and Persia and Iraq Command, 375-6

his burden eased, 376

Alexandria: air attacks on, 212, 337, 381

Almeria Lykes, s.s. (American): 320

Aly Maher Pasha: 130

Ambra: 192

Anderson, Brigadier A.: and operation CRUSADER, 75

at Tobruk, 261-2, 267-9, 272

Ankara: 87-8, 113

Antelat: capture of, 142-3

Anti-Submarine Group, 25th (South African): 90

Aphis, HMS: 76, 96

Arethusa, HMS: 308, 313

Argus, HMS:

mentioned, 117, 178

and fighter reinforcements for Malta, 163, 182

and HARPOON convoy, 301-3

Ark Royal, HMS:

and fighter reinforcements for Malta, 108, 162

mentioned, 117, 301n, 318

Armies:

8th:

formation of, 1-2

command of, 1, 61, 285-7, 367-9

and operation CRUSADER, 7, 10, 15, 17, 34-8, 42-4, 46, 54, 71

and Long Range Desert Group, 9

supplies and reinforcements for, 10-11, 73, 91, 135-6, 142, 205, 216, 243-4, 371-2

strength and state of, 29-31, 34, 143, 198, 216-20, 226, 252, 286, 296, 333, 359, 366, 369-72, 388, 412-3

mentioned, 56, 73, 77, 85, 98, 148, 291, 293-4, 336, 373, 393

air support for, 86, 256, 294, 358, 380. 390

co-operates with Desert Air Force, 98, 370

in retreat to Gazala, 151, 197, 209

Panzerarmee’s views on, 154

and Malta convoy, 164

and a resumed offensive, 201

reorganisation of, 213, 286-7

in Battle of Gazala, 216-9, 238, 252, 392

and defence of Tobruk, 245-9, 252-3, 259, 271-3, 275

its withdrawal to Matruh, 279-81

its withdrawal to El Alamein, 287, 292-6

in fighting at El Alamein, 332-3, 335, 361

lacks confidence in armour, 359

morale of, 369-70

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 383, 388, 391

9th: 1, 376, 412-3

10th: 129, 413

Armistice, French: 120

Armstrong, Brigadier B. F.: 43

Army in Middle East: see also 8th, 9th and 10th Armies

strength and state of, 3, 6

reorganization of, 3-4

training of, 5, 26

losses of, 9

and airfields, 13, 373

wireless difficulties of, 36-7

distribution of, 412-3

Artillery Weapons: note on, 427-33

Ascari: 306

Ashanti, HMS: 319-20

Athens: air attacks on airfields at, 211

Attendolo: 323

Auchinleck, General Sir Claude: see also Commanders-in-Chief

organizes his forces, 1-4, 213, 286-7

and command in Western Desert, 1, 205, 286

and northern front, 1, 81, 126, 197, 205, 362-4

and operation CRUSADER, 2-6, 11-12, 23-4, 42, 52, 56, 70, 73, 96-7, 101, 121

and Tobruk, 22-5, 197, 245-9, 253, 255, 258-9, 264, 275

and General Cunningham, 60-1

and an advance into Tripolitania, 119, 135, 362, 364

and diversions and withdrawals, 123, 125-7, 199

and reinforcements, 127, 199, 366

and Persia and Iraq command, 128-9, 205, 367-8, 375-6

and retreat to Gazala, 135, 142-3, 145-7

and Godwin-Austen, 152

on weakness in armour, 153

and GOC Malta, 161

and timing of a resumed offensive, 183-4, 198-202, 204-5, 215-6, 366-7

and Western Cyrenaican airfields, 197

and priority of commitments, 204-5, 363-4

replaced by Alexander, 205, 267-9, 376

and Battle of Gazala, 218, 226, 228-9, 231, 236, 238, 242, 275

on ‘Jock’ columns, 254, 342

and a withdrawal to Matruh, 281, 285

commands 8th Army, 285-6

and Ritchie, 285-6, 377

and withdrawal to El Alamein, 286-7, 290-1, 293-6

and fighting at El Alamein, 331-6, 342-5, 347, 352-3, 357, 359-60

and defence of Egypt, 334

praises RAF, 335

and operation TORCH, 362

on shortage of transport, 366

Prime Minister’s views on, 367-8, 376

fine qualities of, 367-8, 376-7

becomes C.-in-C., India, 376

Aujila: capture of, 50

Aurora, HMS: and enemy convoys, 103-4, 106, 113-4

in convoy operations, 111

leaves Malta, 172

Australian Government: 23-4, 127, 282

Avon Vale, HMS: 165, 172

Axis Armistice Commissions: 120

Axum: 319, 322

–B–

Bach, Major: 95-6

Badsworth, HMS: 305, 307

Bagnold, Colonel RA: 8

Baheira: air attacks on, 17

Bantle Aire: 169, 171, 174

‘Barbarossa’: 131

Barbasetti di Prun, General Curio: 378

Barbiano: 109

Barce: air attacks on, 17, 87, 210

Bardia:

bombardment of, 43

air attacks on, 93n

captured, 95-6

as supply base, 378

Barham, HMS: 109, 117

Barrowclough, Brigadier H. E.: 50, 68

Bastico, Marshal Ettore:

and North Africa command, 20, 378

and Tobruk, 21, 79

and Rommel, 49n, 97-8, 152

and reinforcements, 69, 76

and defence of Cyrenaica, 79-80, 84-5

and advance to Gazala, 145, 151-2

and an advance into Egypt, 278

Bathurst, HMAS: 124

Battalions:

2/13th Australian: 25, 65

2/15th Australian: 25, 388

2/28th Australian: 358

3/10th Baluch: 349

4/10th Baluch: 233-4

2nd, The Black Watch: 43n, 45

1st, The Buffs: 82, 348n

2nd, The Buffs: 389n

2nd, The Cameron Highlanders:

at Tobruk, 262, 264-5, 268-71

and surrender, 273

The Cape Town Highlanders: 250

2nd, The Cheshire Regiment: 227n

3rd, Coldstream Guards:

and operation CRUSADER, 85n, 86, 88

and retreat to Gazala, 138n

at Tobruk, 262, 268, 270-1

mentioned, 273

and fighting at El Alamein, 348n

Die Middellandse: 264

1st, The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry: 232, 234

6th, The Durham Light Infantry: 358

8th, The Durham Light Infantry: 251

9th, The Durham Light Infantry: 251, 289

4th, The East Yorkshire Regiment: 227n

5th, The East Yorkshire Regiment: 251, 358

1st, The Essex Regiment: 61, 65, 69

1/4th, The Essex Regiment: 342n, 348n, 349

2/5th, The Essex Regiment: 340n, 341

3rd, Frontier Force Regiment: 354

4th, The Green Howards: 227n

5th, The Green Howards, 227n

7th, The Green Howards: 232

2/3rd Gurkha Rifles: 340n, 341

2/4th Gurkha Rifles: 233-4

2/7th Gurkha Rifles: at Tobruk, 262, 264, 267, 271, 273

2nd, Highland Light Infantry: 233-4

3/9th, The Jat Regiment: 234

The Kaffrarian Rifles: 270-1

2nd, The King’s Own Royal Regiment: 43n

1st, The King’s Royal Rifle Corps: 45, 257

2nd, The King’s Royal Rifle Corps: 138n, 223

9th, The King’s Royal Rifle Corps: 224n

2/5th, Mahratta Light Infantry: 262, 264-5, 267

28th Maori: 58, 389

19th New Zealand: 62, 69, 343

20th New Zealand: 68-9

21st New Zealand: 64, 292, 350

22nd New Zealand: 59n, 348-50

23rd New Zealand: 344, 350

24th New Zealand: 67

25th New Zealand: 355

26th New Zealand: 67, 350

1/1st Punjab: 354n, 355

1/2nd Punjab: 354n, 355

3/14th Punjab: 357

4/16th Punjab: 48n

1/6th, Rajputana Rifles: 256n, 258

4/6th Rajputana Rifles: 349

3/7th Rajput Regiment: 354n, 355

50th, Reconnaissance Corps: 74, 233-4

2nd, Regiment Botha: 355

1st, The Rifle Brigade: 137, 138n

2nd, The Rifle Brigade: 45, 224n

7th, The Rifle Brigade: 356n

9th, The Rifle Brigade:

and operation CRUSADER, 91n

and retreat to Gazala, 138n, 141n

and fighting at El Alamein, 348n

3/18th, Royal Garhwal Rifles: 256n, 258

1st, The Royal Natal Carbineers: 231

1st, The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers: 342n, 348n

4th, The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers: 61-2, 74n

now see 50th, Reconnaissance Corps

1st, The Royal Sussex Regiment: 48n

4th, The Royal West Kent Regiment: 389n

5th, The Royal West Kent Regiment: 389n

2nd, Scots Guards:

and operation CRUSADER, 40n, 85n, 86

and retreat to Gazala, 138n, 141, 143

and Battle of Gazala, 238, 242

and fighting at El Alamein 348n

1st The Sherwood Foresters: 262, 270

4/11th, Sikh Regiment: 48n, 340n, 341

1st, The South Wales Borderers: 256n, 258

2nd, The Transvaal Scottish: 264

3rd, The Transvaal Scottish: 47

1st The Welch Regiment: 149

2nd, The West Yorkshire Regiment: 233

1st, The Worcestershire Regiment: 249, 262, 270-1

2nd, The York and Lancaster Regiment: 43n

BATTLEAXE:

training in, 5

army/air cooperation in, 13

German tactics in, 28

mentioned, 53, 209

lessons of, 101

Bayerlein, Colonel Fritz: 386

Beak, Major-General D. M. W.: 161

Beamish, Air Commodore G. R.: 139

Beckett, Brigadier C. T.: 179

Bedouin, HMS: 304-7

Beeley, Rifleman J.: 44

‘Beergroup’: 262, 264, 269-71

Belhamed:

capture of, 6,

lost, 68

destruction of base at, 244

attacked, 256-7

withdrawal from, 258

‘Bencol’: 85-6, 88-9

Benghazi:

air attacks on, 16-7, 60, 70, 87, 102, 190, 209-10, 288, 325, 336, 345

defence of, 16

as supply base, 135-6, 379

mining of, 136, 244

fall of, 149-51

Benina:

air attacks on, 17, 60, 87, 210

capture of, 88, 99

Beresford-Peirse, Lieut.-General Sir Noel: 1

Berka: air attacks on, 17, 60, 87, 210, 244

Bhutan, m.v.: 310

Bianchi: 382n, 388

Bir el Gubi:

mentioned, 33

actions at, 39-40, 75-9

Bir el Khireigat: action at, g

Bir Hacheim:

air attacks on, 51, 225, 230, 236

capture of, 235-7

Birmingham, HMS: 308, 312

Bismarck, Major-General Georg yon: 386

Blarney, General Sir Thomas: 23

Bolzano: 323

Bonaventure, HMS: 117

Borain, Brigadier C. E.: 95

Boucher, General Karl: 53, 58, 64

Boucher, Brigadier C. H.: 232

Boyd, Rear-Admiral D. W.: 158

Bragadin, Captain M. A.: 70n, 106n, 189n, 327n, 330n

Bramham, HMS: 320, 322

Brauchitsch, Field-Marshal yon: 132

Breconshire, HMS:

carries supplies to Malta, 110-14, 155-6, 158-60, 164, 170, 324

sinks, 171

mentioned, 178

Brereton, Major-General Lewis H.: 374

Brigades and Brigade Groups:

Armoured:

1st Army Tank:

equipped, 4

and operation CRUSADER, 30, 37, 61, 94-5

strength and state of, 69, 220

and Battle of Gazala, 217, 224-5, 226n, 227

32nd Army Tank

formed, 5

arrives at Tobruk, 25

and operation CRUSADER, 30, 38, 43, 61

in Battle of Gazala, 217, 219, 232-3, 242

strength of, 220, 238, 240n, 241n, 262

in defence of Tobruk, 261, 263-4, 267

1st:

to join 8th Army, 218, 220

strength and state of, 220, 239

re-equipped, 281n

2nd:

strength and state of, 73, 137-8, 240n, 241n, 349n

and retreat to Gazala, 137-8, 141, 144-5

in Battle of Gazala, 217, 224-6, 229, 233-4, 239-40, 242-3, 249

re-equipped, 254, 289n

in fighting at El Alamein, 345, 348-9, 351. 354-6, 358

4th:

equipped, 4-5

and operation CRUSADER, 8, 28, 37, 38n, 39-49, 54, 56, 62, 63n, 67-8, 75, 81-4

relief of, 88, 136

in Battle of Gazala, 217, 224-6, 229, 231-2, 234, 236, 239-40, 242-3, 253, 257-9

and withdrawal to El Alamein, 289-91

in fighting at El Alamein, 341-3

strength of, 343n

now see 4th Light

4th Light:

in fighting at El Alamein, 353, 357-8

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 384, 386

7th:

equipped, 4-5

strength of, 30, 48

in operation CRUSADER, 37, 38n, 39-42, 44, 46-9, 54, 56

withdrawn to Egypt, 62

for Far East, 125

8th:

for Western Desert, 249

state of, 281n

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 384, 387

losses of, 391

22nd:

for Middle East, 4

strength and state of, 5, 12, 30, 48-50, 63n, 65n, 88, 91, 136-7, 240n, 281, 43n, 349n

in operation CRUSADER, 37, 38n, 39-42, 45-50, 54, 62, 63n, 73n, 88-9, 91-2, 136-7

mentioned, 67

losses of, 91, 234, 391

in Battle of Gazala, 217, 224-6, 229, 232-4, 240-2, 249

re-equipped, 254

and withdrawal to El Alamein, 289

in fighting at El Alamein, 341-3, 348-9, 351, 354, 357

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 384, 386-7, 391

23rd: 353-6, 384, 387

24th: 353n

Infantry:

18th Australian: 23, 25

24th Australian:

at Tobruk, 22

relief of, 25

in fighting at El Alamein, 351, 357-8

26th Australian: 346, 357

14th (British): 38, 43

16th (British): 25, 38, 43

23rd (British): 38, 44, 78

69th (British):

and Battle of Gazala, 216-7, 251

and retreat to El Alamein, 285, 288, 293

in fighting at El Alamein, 357-8

131st (British): 384

132nd (British): 384, 388-9

133rd (British): 384

150th (British): 73-4, 216-7, 226-30

151st (British):

and Battle of Gazala, 217, 229, 251

and retreat to El Alamein, 288-9, 293, 295

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 388

1st Free French:

raids by, 164

in Battle of Gazala, 217, 230-1, 235-7

2nd Free French: 217

22nd Guards:

on the frontier, 9

and operation CRUSADER, 39, 56, 73, 77, 81, 85, 89, 91

and retreat to Gazala, 137

now see 200th Guards

200th Guards:

and retreat to Gazala, 137-8, 141, 143, 145

state of, 138

redesignation of, 217n

now see 201st (Guards) Motor

5th Indian:

and operation CRUSADER, 9, 37, 52, 82, 85

and Battle of Gazala, 217

at Matruh, 288

and withdrawal to El Alamein, 289-91. 293

in fighting at El Alamein, 347. 349, 351

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 387-9

7th Indian:

and operation CRUSADER, 9, 37, 39n, 41, 48, 50, 57n, 69, 82, 85

and retreat to Gazala, 141, 145, 149, 151

9th Indian:

and Battle of Gazala, 217, 232-4

in fighting at El Alamein, 354, 357

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 385-6

10th Indian: 217, 229, 232

11th Indian:

and operation CRUSADER, 9, 37, 39n, 52, 73, 75-7

leaves Tobruk, 145

to join 8th Army, 218

and defence of Tobruk, 261-2, 264, 267, 269

18th Indian: 340-1

20th Indian: 218, 253, 256-8

21st Indian: 218, 288, 295

25th Indian: 218, 288, 295

29th Indian:

and operation CRUSADER, 38

and Battle of Gazala, 217, 235-6, 238, 249, 253-6

and retreat to El Alamein, 288-9, 294-5

38th Indian: 73

4th New Zealand:

and operation CRUSADER, 37, 50, 57, 6,, 68, 81

and retreat to El Alamein, 291, 293

mentioned, 292

in fighting at El Alamein, 343, 347, 349-50

refitting, 384n

5th New Zealand:

and operation CRUSADER, 37, 50, 59, 61, 69, 73-5

and retreat to El Alamein, 290-3

in fighting at El Alamein, 347-8

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 384, 389

6th New Zealand:

and operation CRUSADER, 37, 50, 61-2, 65, 67-8

and retreat to El Alamein, 288

in fighting at El Alamein, 342, 354-5

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 384, 389

1st Polish Carpathian:

at Tobruk, 23, 25, 38

and operation CRUSADER, 44, 81-2

1st South African:

and operation CRUSADER, 37, 50, 52, 54, 57, 62-4, 66-7, 69, 73

in Battle of Gazala, 217, 231, 250

in fighting at El Alamein, 342

2nd South African:

and operation CRUSADER, 94

and Battle of Gazala, 217, 250-1

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 387

3rd South African:

and operation CRUSADER, 38, 95-6

and Battle of Gazala, 217, 250-1

4th South African:

and operation CRUSADER, 38, 96

and Battle of Gazala, 217, 264, 269, 271

5th South African:

and operation CRUSADER, 37, 43, 46-7, 49

destruction of, 50, 54, 66

refitting, 94, 217n

in fighting at El Alamein, 343

6th South African:

and operation CRUSADER, 38, 96

and Battle of Gazala, 217, 264, 269-72

Motor:

7th (British):

and Battle of Gazala, 217, 223-4, 231, 235-7, 240n, 242, 259

and retreat to El Alamein, 285, 286n, 289-90

in fighting at El Alamein, 343-4, 353

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 384, 386

201st Guards:

under Ritchie’s command, 217

in Battle of Gazala, 229, 238, 249

at Tobruk, 261-2, 264, 267, 269-70

3rd Indian:

and Battle of Gazala, 217, 223-4, 253

and retreat to El Alamein, 285, 289

9th Indian: 217

161st Indian: 353-5

Briggs, Brigadier (later Major-General) H. R.:

and operation CRUSADER, 48

and retreat to Gazala, 149

and Battle of Gazala, 217, 232

Briggs, Brigadier R:

and retreat to Gazala, 138, 141, 143-4

and fighting at El Alamein, 349

wounded, 354

Brindisi: air attacks on, 15-6

Brink, Major-General G. L.: 12, 37, 43

Brisbane Star, m.v.: 320-2

British Ambassador in Egypt: 130, 374n

British Ambassador in Iraq: 374n

British Ambassador in Washington: 120

British Government: see War Cabinet, and Defence Committee

Brooke, General Sir Alan, Chief of the Imperial General Staff:

mentioned, 121n

and withdrawals, 126, 199

in Cairo with Churchill, 362, 364, 367, 376

visits Russia, 366

and Middle East Commands, 367, 368n, 369

and directive to Alexander, 369

Brown Ranger, tanker: 301

Burdwan, m.v.: 301, 305-6

Burma:

threat to, 128

under Wavell’s command, 128

Japanese invade, 200

Burrough, Rear-Admiral H. M.: 317, 319-22

Burrows, Brigadier J. T.: 351

–C–

Cairo, HMS:

escorts USS Wasp, 182

in HARPOON convoy, 301-2, 304-7

in PEDESTAL convoy, 317, 319-20

Campbell, Brigadier (later Major-General) J. C.:

and action at Bir el Khireigat, 9

and operation CRUSADER, 44-5

killed, 217n

and ‘Jock’ columns, 254

Cantore: 326

Cape Bon: action off, 109-10

Cape Matapan:

action off, 170

Capo Faro: 106

Carabiniere: 160

Caracciolo: 90

Carlisle, HMS: in convoy operations, 101-11, 157, 159. 164-5, 172

Carlo del Greco: 87n

Casey, Rt. Hon. R. G.:

appointed Minister of State, 129-30

and Dobbie, 186

and a withdrawal to Matruh, 279

and northern front, 362

mentioned, 364

and Middle East Command, 367

and Middle East War Council, 374n

and Persia and Iraq, 376

Castel Benito:

air attacks on, 17

Castel Vetrano:

air attacks on, 94

Casualties:

at Tobruk, 25-6, 274

in operation CRUSADER, 45, 47, 50, 57, 62, 93, 96-7, 152

in retreat to Gazala, 152

at Malta, 185

in Battle of Gazala, 223, 236, 238-9, 251

in retreat to El Alamein, 293

at El Alamein, 343, 351, 355-6, 358

Army, Nov. 1941–July 1942, 372

at Alam el Halfa, 388-91

Catania:

attempted raid on, 328

Cauldron, The:

fighting in, 231-5

Cavallero, Marshal Ugo:

and operation

CRUSADER, 84-5

and advance to Gazala, 145-6

and Malta, 174-5, 278

and a pursuit into Egypt, 278, 338

and reinforcements, 338

and North Africa Command, 378

Centurion, HMS: 308

Cerion, petrol carrier: 216

Chakdina, HMS: 90

Champion de Crespigny, Air Vice-Marshal H. V.: 424

Chant, s.s. (American!: 301, 305

Chantala, HMS: 90

Chappel, Brigadier B. H.: 43

Charing Cross:

air attacks on, 295

Charybdis, HMS:

escorts USS Wasp, 182, 187

in HARPOON convoy, 301, 307

in PEDESTAL convoy, 317, 320, 323

Chief of the Air Staff:

see Portal

Chief of the Imperial General Staff:

see Dill and Brooke

Chiefs of Staff:

and Tobruk, 24, 259

and Auchinleck, 24

on future offensive plans, 119

and operation GYMNAST, 121-2

and priority of commitments, 121-2, 363-6

on diversions and withdrawals, 123, 125, 202

and reinforcements, 125-6, 136, 282, 299, 365

and Persia and Iraq, 128-9, 375-6

and Malta, 161, 183, 186-7, 193, 200-2, 314

and Dobbie, 186

and timing of a resumed Desert offensive, 203-4

on northern front, 364-6

and Brooke, 367

Churchill, Rt. Hon. Winston S.:

see Prime Minister

Ciano, Count: 111n

Cigno: 110

City of Calcutta, s.s.: 248n, 309

Clan Campbell, s.s.: 159-60, 164, 171

Clan Chattan, s.s.: 159-60

Clan Ferguson, s.s.: 320

Cleopatra, HMS: 163-9, 308

Clifton, Brigadier G. H.: 65, 355, 389

Clyde, HMS: 314

Cobalto: 319, 329

Cocker, HMSAS: 90

Comando Supremo:

see Italian High Command

Combined Chiefs of Staff’s Committee in Washington: 177

Commander-in-Chief, India:

see Wavell

Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean:

see Cunningham, and, for joint action, Commanders-in-Chief

Commander-in-Chief. Middle East:

see Auchinleck, and, for joint action, Commanders-in-Chief

Commanders-in-Chief:

and operation CRUSADER, 6, 12n, 126, 133

and operation ACROBAT, 119, 125-6, 133

and capture of Sicily, 119-20

on operation GYMNAST, 120-1

and diversions and withdrawals, 123-7, 133, 202

and northern front, 124, 126-7, 362, 364

and Middle East situation, 125, 260, 362

and reinforcements, 126-7, 206, 260, 299, 326, 364

on Minister of State, 129

and retreat to Gazala, 153

and Malta, 161, 182-3, 200-1, 314

mentioned, 177

and long-range bombers, 190

and Tobruk, 197, 245, 259-61, 279

and timing of a resumed offensive, 198, 201-3

on a withdrawal to Matruh, 279-81

and VIGOROUS convoy, 309

need strategical guidance, 362, 364

and Middle East War Council, 374n

Commandos, No. 11 (Scottish): 21-2

Commonwealth Keep:

capture of, 225

air attacks on, 227

Coningham, Air Vice-Marshal A:

commands Western Desert Air Force, 12

and air support, 14, 94, 336

and operation CRUSADER, 14, 18, 51, 55, 74, 83, 94, 98

and an advance into Tripolitania, 138-9

and retreat to Gazala, 146-7

and the lull, 209

mentioned, 220, 296, 370

and Battle of Gazala, 225, 230-1, 235, 247, 256, 258-9

and use of landing-grounds, 282

and fighting at El Alamein, 335, 345

Convoys:

see also HARPOON, VIGOROUS and PEDESTAL:

(enemy) to North Africa, 15-6, 19-20, 69-70, 79, 87, 94, 102-7, 109-14, 117, 139, 158-9, 162-3, 173, 189-91, 193-4, 197, 326, 329

losses, 16, 19-20, 106, 189, 326-7, 330;

(British) and operation CRUSADER, 38, 90

to Malta, 110-14, 155-62, 164-73, 177, 180-5, 202, 204, 211, 244-5, 248, 251-2, 255, 299-325, 329

between Egypt, Cyprus and Levant, 90

to North Africa, 136, 192, 216, 329-30

to Middle East, 31, 121-3, 126, 128, 260n, 329-30, 372

losses, 216, 314, 322

Cooke, Captain G. C.: 109

Cooper, Brigadier F.: 96, 272

Corbett, Lieut.-General T. W.: 285

Corps:

10th:

arrives in Middle East, 2

and withdrawal to El Alamein, 28,, 284, 287-9, 291-5

to be strong in armour, 385

training of, 390

13th:

Western Desert Force becomes, 1

and operation CRUSADER, 7-8, 10, 34, 37-9, 41, 16, 48-50, 52, 56, 81-2, 88

and relief of Tobruk, 64, 67, 73-4, 77

to drive enemy from Cyrenaica, 81

supplies for, 135

and retreat to Gazala, 137, 142, 146-8, 151

works with No. 40 Squadron SAAF, 212

command of, 152, 217, 369

and Battle of Gazala, 218, 220, 226, 229, 231-2, 238, 242-3, 245

in defence of Tobruk, 248, 250, 253, 259, 263

and a withdrawal to Matruh, 284-5

and withdrawal to El Alamein, 287-8, 292-5

in fighting at El Alamein, 334-5, 340, 342-5, 347-8, 353-4, 357

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 384

30th:

forms, 1

command of, 2, 345

and operation CRUSADER, 7, 9-10, 12, 34, 37-9, 41, 46, 48-50, 52, 54-5, 63, 73, 78, 101

mentioned, 65, 75

leaves for frontier area, 81

air support for, 94, 212

in Battle of Gazala, 217, 224, 229, 231-2, 236, 242

and defence of Tobruk, 248, 253, 263, 272

and withdrawal to Matruh, 259, 284

and withdrawal to El Alamein, 295

in fighting at El Alamein, 334-5, 341-8, 354, 357

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 384-5, 386n, 387

1st Australian: 126

21st Indian: 424

Corvette Group, 10th: 90

Coventry, HMS: 308-9, 312

Cox, Brigadier C. H. V.: 78

Crete:

effect of loss of, 1

air attacks on, 164, 211, 388

Cripps, Rt. Hon. Sir Stafford: 201

Crista, petrol carrier: 216

Cross, Group Captain K. B. B.: 207

Cruiser Squadrons:

7th: 46, 158

15th: 110, 163, 328

CRUSADER:

timing of, 2-3, 12, 23, 25, 31

plan for, 5-10, 12-5, 19, 23, 31, 37-8, 103

supplies for, 10-12, 90-1

air operations related to, 15-9

and relief of Tobruk, 23-5, 78

effect of enemy armour in, 28

reviewed, 33, 70-1, 96-102

the operation, 38-96

losses in, 40, 43, 99

air support in, 99

mentioned, 105, 128, 140, 152-3, 159, 161, 205, 207, 210, 227, 261, 284-5, 332, 337, 352, 367

and operation ACROBAT, 119, 142

and operation GYMNAST, 120-1

and withdrawals and diversions, 123, 125-6, 133

Cruttwell, C. R. M. F.: 143

Crüwell, Lieut.-General Ludwig:

and operation CRUSADER, 39-42, 44, 46-7, 49, 53, 55-8, 62, 64, 71, 74, 77, 85, 91, 101

and action at Agedabia, 141

and Battle of Gazala, 219, 223, 226

captured, 227

his abilities, 227-8

Cuma: 209

Cunningham, Lieut-General Sir Alan:

commands 8th Army, 1, 37

and operation CRUSADER, 5-8, 14, 37, 39, 41-2, 46, 48-50, 52, 54-6, 60

and air support, 14

worried about tank losses, 52

General Auchinleck’s opinion of, 60-1

relieved of 8th Army command, 61

Cunningham, Admiral Sir Andrew B.:

see also Commanders-in-Chief

and Tobruk, 24-5, 90, 197

and operation CRUSADER, 24, 97

reinforcements for, 90, 124

and operations against enemy convoys, 109-16, 163

depleted forces of, 111, 117, 173

and First Battle of Sirte, 112

and human torpedo attacks, 115

and withdrawals from Mediterranean, 123-5

and convoy operations, 157, 159-60, 164, 166, 177

on air reconnaissance, 157

leaves Mediterranean Command, 177-8

his achievements, 177-8

on Malta, 178

Curteis, Vice-Admiral A. T. B.: 301-3, 307

Curtin, Rt. Hon. John: 24

Cyprus:

defence of, 2

Cyrenaica:

enemy withdrawal from 33, 84, 96

British reoccupation of, 161, 198

air attacks on airfields in, 164

effect of loss of airfields in, 173

–D–

Dagabur: 318, 329

DAK (Deutsches Afrika Korps):

mentioned, 28, 95, 227, 385

leaves Bardia, 39, 41

and operation CRUSADER, 44, 46-7, 50, 53, 56, 58-62, 66, 77, 84, 89, 92

air attacks on, 55, 57

strength and state of, 139n, 231, 239, 249, 383n

and advance to Gazala, 141, 144-9, 152

in Battle of Gazala, 220, 225-6, 228, 237, 249

and Tobruk, 258-9, 265-6

and advance to El Alamein, 283, 289-90, 293-4

in fighting at El Alamein, 340-5

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 383, 386-8, 390n

Da Mosto: 106

Daniel, Commodore C. S.: 182, 187

Davy, Brigadier G. M. O.: 40, 44-5, 47

Da Zara, Admiral A.: 303-7

De Beer, Lieut.-Colonel J. M.: 262

Defence Committee:

and recapture of Cyrenaica, 3

sends 22nd Armoured Brigade to Middle East, 4

and plan to capture Sicily, 119

and command in Iraq, 129

and Malta, 183, 204

and timing of a resumed offensive, 200, 202, 204

and a withdrawal to Matruh, 280

De Giorgis, Major-General Fedele: 95-6

Deir el Shein:

defended locality at, 332

lost, 340-1

‘Delease’: 378

‘Dencol’: 217

Derna:

air attacks on, 16-7, 41, 60, 102, 210, 212, 227, 244, 251

capture of, 85

as supply base, 135

Deucalion, m.v.: 319-20

De Villiers, Major-General I. P.: 38, 94-5, 261

Dido, HMS: 117, 163-5, 308

Dielpi: 382n

Dill, Field-Marshal Sir John, Chief of the Imperial General Staff: 121n

Divisions:

Armoured:

1st:

for Middle East, 4, 31

arrival of, 73, 88, 136

command of, 136-7, 354

strength and state of, 136, 147-8, 153, 220, 286n, 353

in retreat to Gazala, 141-9, 151

in Battle of Gazala, 217-8, 224, 232, 240, 242, 250

and a withdrawal to Matruh, 285

and withdrawal to El Alamein, 289, 291-3, 295

in defence of Alamein, 341-3, 346, 348, 354, 357

2nd: 1

7th:

strength and state of, 4, 30, 99, 220, 353

and operation CRUSADER, 29, 37, 39, 40n, 46, 48, 50, 53-4, 62. 66-7, 73, 78, 81-2, 85, 88

relief of, 136

and Battle of Gazala, 217-8, 224, 232-3

at Tobruk, 248, 253, 259, 272-3

and withdrawal to Matruh, 281, 285

and withdrawal to El Alamein, 295

in fighting at El Alamein, 351, 354, 357

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 384, 387, 389-90

8th:

state of, 27n

arrival of, 260, 353, 372

10th:

state of, 249n

at Matruh, 281

mentioned, 354

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 384, 387, 390

31st Indian: 424

Cavalry:

1st: 249n

Infantry:

12th African: 1

6th Australian: 126, 260

7th Australian: 126

9th Australian:

and defence of Tobruk, 22

question of its withdrawal, 126-7, 199

rated high by Rommel, 339

in fighting at El Alamein, 345-6, 356n, 357

strength of, 353

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 384, 388

2nd (British): 365n, 366

5th (British): 365n, 366

6th (British): 2, 25

now see 70th (British)

18th (British): 123, 126

44th (British):

arrival of, 260, 363, 372

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 384, 386

50th (British):

arrival of, 2

in Iraq, 123

and Malta convoy, 164

and Battle of Gazala, 217, 219-20, 231, 238, 241, 245-6 , 248, 250-1, 254, 259

and retreat to El Alamein, 28, 284-5, 287-9, 291, 293, 295

in fighting at El Alamein, 340, 342

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 387

51st (British):

arrival of, 363, 365n, 372

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 387

56th (British): 364, 365n

70th (British):

and operation CRUSADER, 38, 42, 44, 46, 48-9, 52, 61-2, 68-9

for Far East, 126, 199

4th Indian:

and operation CRUSADER, 7, 9, 37, 46, 56, 59, 69, 73, 75, 77-8, 81-2, 85

command of, 137

and retreat to Gazala, 141-2, 147-9

mentioned, 152, 218

5th Indian:

in Cyprus, 2

and Battle of Gazala, 217, 232-4, 248

and retreat to El Alamein, 285. 287-8, 291-2. 295

in fighting at El Alamein. 342, 347, 353-4, 356-7

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 384, 390

6th Indian: 424

8th Indian: 424

10th Indian:

to join 8th Army, 218

and Battle of Gazala, 242, 247, 259

and retreat to El Alamein, 281, 284, 287-8, 295

in fighting at El Alamein, 342

17th Indian: 123, 126

1st South African:

and operation CRUSADER, 12, 37, 41-2, 53, 94

and Malta convoy, 164

and Battle of Gazala, 217, 219-20, 231, 238, 241, 245-6, 248-51, 254, 259

mentioned, 261-2, 340n

strength and state of, 281, 353

and withdrawal to El Alamein, 295

in fighting at El Alamein, 341, 346

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 384

2nd South African:

and operation CRUSADER, 38, 52, 56, 69, 73, 77, 94-5

and Battle of Gazala, 217, 219, 238, 249-51, 261, 272n

strength and state of, 261, 272n

mentioned, 275

New Zealand:

and operation CRUSADER, 7, 37, 39n, 41, 48, 50, 52, 54, 61-9, 73

to stay in Middle East, 127

for Western Desert, 249

at Matruh, 279, 281, 284, 287

at Minqar Qaim, 288-92

and withdrawal to El Alamein, 292-5

rated high by Rommel, 339

in fighting at El Alamein, 342, 347-8, 351, 354

strength of, 353

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 384, 387, 389

Dobbie, Lieut.-General Sir William, Governor and C.-in-C., Malta:

and supplies for Malta, 155-6, 160-2, 183

and air attacks on Malta, 181-2

leaves Malta, 186

Dominions:

flow of munitions from, 3-4

Doria: 111-2

Dorset, m.v.: 320-1

Drew, Lieut.-Colonel H. D.: 68

Drummond, Air Marshal R. M.: 198

Duca D’Aosta: 310

Duca Degli Abruzzi: 105

Duilio: 111

Dundas, Commodore J. G. L.: 328

Du Toit, Brigadier C. L. de W.: 250-1

–E–

Eagle, HMS:

and fighter reinforcement of Malta, 163, 187-8, 300, 314

in dock, 182

in convoy operations, 301-3, 316, 318-9, 321

Edelsten, Rear-Admiral J. H.: 328

Egypt, King of: 130

Egypt:

see also Egyptian Government

defence of, 1, 52, 124, 127, 201, 333-4, 363

internal security, I, 333

political crisis in, 130

Egyptian Government and Ministers: 130

El Adem:

advance on, 73, 77

and Battle of Gazala, 224-5

and investment of Tobruk, 245-50

action at, 254

evacuated 255-6

El Agheila:

Rommel withdraws to, 92

air attacks on, 150

El Alamein:

defences at, 2, 332

fighting at in July, 334-59

El Daba:

bombardments of, 328

air attacks on, 331n

skirmishes near, 332

use of airfields, 337

El Duda:

capture of, 61-2

Germans attack, 65-6, 75

El Mreir:

actions at, 335, 343-4, 353-7

Elizabeth Bakke, m.v.: 309

Elliott, Sergeant K.: 350

Elysia, s.s.: 353n

Embry, Air Commodore B. E.: 13

Empire Defender, m.v.: 109, 324

Empire Guillemot, m.v.: 108, 324

Empire Hope, m.v.: 320

Empire Pelican, m.v.: 109, 324

Eocene, petrol carrier: 216

Eridge, HMS: 192

Eskimo, HMS: 320

Eugenio di Salvia: 303

Euryalus, HMS:

bombards Halfaya defences, 41

and enemy convoys, 110

at Alexandria, 117

bombards Rhodes, 163

in convoy operations, 164-7, 169, 308, 310

Evill, Air Vice-Marshal D. C. S.: 208

‘Excess’: 324

–F–

Fabio Filzi: 87n

Fadden, Rt. Hon. Arthur: 23-4

Falk, HMSAS.: 90

Falmouth, HMS: 124

Far East:

reinforcement of, 122-8, 173

Farndale, HMS: 90

Fawzia, HEMS: 337

Field Maintenance Centres:

No. 50: 56n

No. 62: 56, 62, 65

Field Supply Depots: 10

Filose, Brigadier A. A. E.: 223

First Sea Lord: see Pound

Fisher, Brigadier A. F.: 289n, 356n

Flag Officer Commanding North Atlantic: 182

Flamingo, HMS: 90

Fleet Air Arm:

as ‘pathfinders’, 16, 213, 288

and operation CRUSADER, 17-8

attacks enemy shipping, 159, 326

and Malta convoys, 165, 302-3. 306, 318-9

strength in Malta, 185

reinforcements for, 88n

losses, 302, 307, 321

and bombardment of Matruh, 338

Squadrons:

800: 317n

801: 301n, 317n

806: 317n

807: 301n

809: 317n

813: 301n, 317n

815: 300n

817: 317n

821: 300n. 343n

824: 301n

826: 159, 300n, 343n

827: 317n

828: 160, 171

830: 105, 300n

831: 317n

832: 317n

880: 317n

884: 317n

885: 317n

Fliegerführer Afrika:

see Fröhlich, Waldau and Seidemann

Flo, HMSAS.: 90

Folgore: 329

Foote, Lieut.-Colonel H. R. B.: 243, 268

Force B:

sent to Malta, 105

and enemy convoys, 106

mentioned, 110

in convoy operations, 164, 166, 170-1

Force H:

and operation CRUSADER, 19, 38

mentioned, 103, 318

and fighter reinforcements for Malta, 108, 163-4

strength of, 117, 133, 410

possible removal of battleship from, 123

reinforcements for, 156

in convoy operations, 156

command of, 162-3

and Diego Suarez operation, 182

Force K:

and operation CRUSADER, 19, 38

reasons for formation of, 103

and enemy convoys, Ton, 103-9, 111-4, 158

mentioned, 110

in convoy operations, 112-4, 157, 159-60, 164

losses of, 114, 124

ceases to exist, 173

Force W: 182

Force X: 301-2, 317-9

Force Z: 317, 319

Ford, Vice-Admiral Sir Wilbraham, Vice- Admiral, Malta: 111, 157-8

Foresight, HMS: 319

Fort Capuzzo:

capture of, 48

Foster, Air Commodore R. M.: 424

Free French Movement: 44, 120

Freeman, Air Chief Marshal Sir Wilfred: 14

French Government: 120

Freyberg, Major-General B. C.:

commands New Zealand Division, 37

and operation CRUSADER, 61, 64, 66-8

and use of New Zealand formations, 284, 287

and withdrawal to El Alamein, 290-1

wounded, 292

and Battle of Alam el Halfa, 387-9

Fröhlich, Major-General Stefan: 21, 98, 212

Fuka:

air attacks on, I t, 17, 212, 296

loss of, 294-5

raid on, 344

Fulmine: 104.

Furious, HMS: 317-8, 325

–G–

Gabr Saleh:

actions at, 40-4

air attacks on, 283

Galatea, HMS: 110

Gallant, HMS: 180

Gambara, General Gastone: 49n, 79-80, 85

Gambut:

air attacks on, 9, 17, 211-12, 227

capture of, 50

loss of airfields at, 255-8

Gardner, Captain P. J.: 44

Garibaldi: 310

Gatehouse, Brigadier (later Major-General) A. H.:

and operation CRUSADER, 37, 40, 68, 82

and fighting at El Alamein, 354-5, 356n

and Battle of Alam el Halfa, 387

Gause, Lieut.-General Alfred: 19, 229

Gazala:

air attacks on, 17, 41

enemy stand at, 81-3

Battle of, 223-52, 392

Geisler, General Hans-Ferdinand: 21, 98

Geissler, Colonel Erich: 151

George VI, HM King: 179, 185-6

German Admiralty: 20

German Air Force:

see Luftwaffe

German Army:

see also DAK

strength and dispositions of, 6-7, 26-31, 39, 48, 139-40, 199, 220

supplies for, 6, 15, 95

losses of, 9, 40, 50, 59, 69

wireless difficulties of, 37

and capture of Malta, 194-5

Armies:

Panzerarmee Afrika:

strength and state of, 139n

views on 8th Army, 153-4

on booty captured, 274, 281n, 331n

and Tobruk, 275, 277, 331

on British air attacks, 287, 380

supplies for, 331, 382

Groups:

Armoured Group Africa:

formed, 19-20, now see Panzerarmee Afrika

Divisions:

Africa (later 90th Light):

command of, 19-20

state of, 29, 34, 139n, 331

and operation CRUSADER, 40, 64, 67, 80, 86

mentioned, 140n

and advance to Gazala, 148-9, 152

and Tobruk, 220, 265

in Battle of Gazala, 223-5, 227-9, 235-6, 239, 241-2, 253-5

and advance to El Alamein, 283, 289-90, 295

attacked by Desert Air Force, 287, 296

in fighting at El Alamein, 340-2, 344, 350-1

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 383

164th Light:

and fighting at El Alamein, 339, 346

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 383, 388

15th Panzer:

command of, 20

strength and state of, 29-30, 34, 63n, 74, 82n, 91, 139n, 145n

and operation CRUSADER, 39-42, 45, 47-9, 54-60, 63-7, 75, 77, 86, 91

and advance to Gazala, 140, 143-5, 147

in Battle of Gazala, 224-7, 234-5, 239-42, 250, 257

in attack on Tobruk, 265-7, 269-70

and advance to El Alamein, 289-90, 292

in fighting at El Alamein, 340-2, 346, 350, 354

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 386-7

21st Panzer:

in action at Bir el Khireigat, 9

strength and state of, 9, 29-30, 34, 63n, 82n, 91, 139n, 140n, 145n, 290n

command of, 20

and operation CRUSADER, 39-42, 45, 47-9, 54-6, 58-60, 64-7, 71, 74-5, 77, 86, 91

and advance to Gazala, 143-4, 149

in Battle of Gazala, 223, 225-6, 228, 231, 234, 239-40, 242, 250, 253-7

in attack on Tobruk, 265-7, 269

and advance to El Alamein, 289-91, 293-4

in fighting at El Alamein, 340, 343-5, 350, 354, 356

in Battle of Alam el Halfa , 386-7

Brigades:

15th Lorried Infantry: 219n

Ramcke Parachute: 338, 383

Regiments and Units:

155th Regiment: 34n, 46-7, 53n

382nd Regiment: 346

361st Afrika Regiment: 46-7, 50, 53n

104th Lorried Infantry Regiment: 47, 95, 293

115th Lorried Infantry Regiment: 58-9

5th Panzer Regiment:

and operation CRUSADER, 40, 47, 49, 54-5, 57-9

Battle of Gazala, 228, 240, 269

8th Panzer Regiment:

and operation CRUSADER, 54n, 66, 76, 82

reinforcement of, 87

in Battle of Gazala, 233

in fighting at El Alamein, 349, 355

39th Panzerjäger Regiment, 227n

900th Engineer Battalion: 53n

2nd Machine-Gun Battalion: 82, 141

3rd Reconnaissance Unit:

and operation CRUSADER, 38, 58-9

and advance to Gazala, 148-9

to hold British on frontier, 265

in fighting at El Alamein, 350-1

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 383

33rd Reconnaissance Unit:

and operation CRUSADER, 38, 55, 57

and advance to Gazala, 148-9

to hold British on frontier, 265

in fighting at El Alamein, 350-1

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 383

German High Command of the Armed Forces:

see OKW

German High Command of the Army:

see OKH

German Navy: 194

German soldiers:

achievements of, 360

Germany:

preoccupied with Russia, 2-3

declares war on United States, 121

British estimate of capabilities of, 126

and war in Russia, 132

Gioda, General:

Son

Giorgio: 382n

Giulio Cesare: 111

Giussano: 109

‘Gleecol’: 288-9

Glengyle, HMS:

and supplies for Malta, 156, 158, 160, 324

Glennie, Rear-Admiral I. G.: 328

Glenorchy, s.s.: 320

Glenroy, HMS: 11, 90

Gnat, HMS: 25

Gneisenau: 162, 200

Godfroy, Admiral: 192, 316

Godwin-Austen, Lieut.-General A. R.:

commands 13th Corps, 1, 37

and operation CRUSADER, 8, 37, 46, 49, 52, 62, 67, 69, 73-4, 77-8, 81-3, 85, 88-9

mentioned 54-5

and retreat to Gazala, 135, 141, 143, 146-8, 151

relinquishes command, 152

Goebbels, Dr.: 108

Gorizia: 169, 310

Gort, General the Viscount, Governor and Supreme Commander, Malta: 186, 314, 316

Gott, Major-General (later Lieut.-General) W. H. E.:

commands 7th Armoured Division, 37

and operation CRUSADER, 39-44, 46-7, 62-3, 68, 75, 78, 81-3, 85

mentioned, 54, 232, 367

commands 13th Corps, 217

and Battle of Gazala, 238, 242-3

and Tobruk, 263

and a withdrawal to Matruh, 281

and withdrawal to El Alamein, 290-2, 294

and fighting at El Alamein, 347-8, 351, 354-5, 357

to command 8th Army, 368

killed, 368

his abilities, 368

Gould, Petty Officer T. W.: 174

Governor of Aden: 374n

Governor of Cyprus: 374n

Gray, Lieut.-Colonel C. E.: 340n

Greece: effect of loss of,

Greek Navy: 328-9

Gualdi: 382n

Gurkha, HMS: 157

Gurney, Private A. S.: 357

GYMNAST: 120-3, 204

–H–

HALBERD: 324

Halfaya:

bombardment of, 41

air attacks on, 93, 96

captured, 95-6

Halverson Detachment:

and attack on Ploesti oilfields, 206, 245

established in Egypt, 282

and VIGOROUS convoy, 309

in Desert operations, 343n

Hardy, Captain C. C.: 301-6, 310

Hargest, Brigadier J.:

so

HARPOON: 299-307, 314-8, 324

Harwood, Admiral Sir Henry:

see also Commanders-in-Chief

becomes C.-in-C., Mediterranean, 178

and long-range bombers, 190

and convoy operations, 307, 310-13, 322

sends 10th Submarine Flotilla to Malta, 314

disperses Mediterranean Fleet, 315-6

mentioned, 329

Hassell, Brigadier L. L.: 251

Hasty, HMS: 90, 165, 311

Havock, HMS:

in convoy operations, 165, 167, 169-70

destroyed, 180

Haydon, Brigadier C. W.: 227

Hayton, Brigadier A. A.: 96, 269-72

Hebe, minesweeper: 305-7

Heraklion:

air attacks on, 336

HERKULES: 194, 277-8

Hermione, HMS:

in Force H, 117

and fighter reinforcement of Malta, 163

and VIGOROUS convoy, 308, 313

Hero, HMS:

and relief of Tobruk, 25

in convoy operations, 165, 168

sinks U.568, 192

High Commissioner to Palestine: 374n

Hindustan, HMIS: 124

Hitler, Adolf:

and German domination in Mediterranean, 21

and use of Bizerta, 69-70, 106

and Japan, 131

commands German Army, 132

mentioned, 145

and Malta, 175, 195, 277

meets Mussolini at Berchtesgaden, 195, 219

and an advance into Egypt, 277-8

and command in North Africa, 383

Hobart, HMAS: 43, 117, 124

Holmes, Lieut.-General W. G.:

commands 10th Corps, 2, 281

and withdrawal to El Alamein, 290-1, 293-5

Home Fleet: 155

Hopkins, Harry L.: 361

Horrocks, Lieut.-General B. G.:

commands 13th Corps, 369

and Battle of Alam el

Haifa, 384-5, 387, 389

Hotspur, HMS: 90

Hughes, Brigadier F. E. C.: 354n

Human torpedoes:

attack Fleet at Alexandria, 115, 124, 192

attack ships at Gibraltar, 329

Hurworth, HMS: 192

Hutchison, Captain C. A. G.: 170

Hyacinth, HMS: 90, 328

–I–

Iachino, Admiral Angelo:

and Malta convoys, 111, 113, 168-70, 172, 310, 312

Indomitable, HMS:

carries aircraft to Far East, 125, 127

mentioned, 158

and PEDESTAL convoy, 316-7, 319

Indus, HMIS: 124

Inglis, Brigadier L. M.:

and operation CRUSADER, 50

and retreat to El Alamein, 292-3

and fighting at El Alamein, 349, 351-2

mentioned, 355

Inshore Squadron:

I 1, 24-5, 118

Iraq:

and reinforcements for Far East, 122

defence of, 124, 126, 363

command in, 128-9, 375-6. 424-6

internal security of, 362

Iridio Mantovani: 106-7

Isaac Sweers: 109, 157, 173

Iseo: 106

Islay, trawler: 329

Istria: 326, 382n

Italian Admiralty:

sails convoy to Africa, 105

and HARPOON convoy, 307

and VIGOROUS convoy, 310, 312-3

Italian Air Force:

supplies for, 6, 15, 94

strength and state of, 6, 14-5, 21, 76, 87, 140, 178, 181

and operation CRUSADER, 18, 39, 41, 50-1, 60, 87

losses of, 18, 60, 89, 94, 99, 150, 179, 184, 188, 210-11, 213, 227, 231, 236-7, 241, 258, 336, 344

carries supplies to Africa, 79

attacks Force K, 104

and advance to Gazala, 142, 150

and Malta convoys, 165, 167, 169-71, 301-2, 306, 318-9

attacks Malta, 170-1, 178-9, 181, 184, 385

operations during the lull, 211

and Battle of Gazala, 225, 241, 258

and Tobruk, 266

and Battle of Alam el Halfa, 384

and defence of Sicily, 385

Squadra:

5th: 21

Italian Army:

strength and dispositions of, 6, 29-30, 139-40, 199, 220, 383n

supplies for, 6, 15, 95

and operation HERKULES, 194-5

Corps:

10th:

under Rommel’s command, 80n, 139n

in Crüwell Group, 219n

in Battle of Gazala, 250, 258, 265

and advance to El Alamein, 283, 290

in fighting at El Alamein, 343-4

in Battle of Alam el Halfa. 383, 387

Mobile (20th):

command of, 19-20, 49n

and operation CRUSADER, 74, 77, 84, 89

mentioned, 80

and advance to Gazala, 139-41, 148-9, 151-2

in Battle of Gazala, 219-20, 265, 267

and advance to Matruh, 283, 288

and advance to El Alamein, 290

in fighting at El Alamein, 340, 343-4

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 383-4, 386

21st:

command of, 19-20, 139n

and operation CRUSADER, 84

in Crüwell Group, 219n

and Tobruk, 258

and advance to El Alamein, 283

in fighting at El Alamein, 344

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 383

Divisions:

Ariete:

and operation CRUSADER, 8, 34, 39-40, 42, 49, 53, 55-8, 62-68, 75, 85-6

command of, 20

strength and state of, 29-30, 82n, 139n, 265n

losses of, 67

occupies Benghazi, 151

in Battle of Gazala, 220, 223, 225-6, 234, 255, 258

in attack on Tobruk, 266

and advance to El Alamein, 290

in fighting at El Alamein, 343, 351

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 387

Bologna: 20, 86, 139n

Brescia:

command of, 20, 139n

and operation CRUSADER, 78, 86, 88-9

in Crüwell Group, 219n

in fighting at El Alamein, 343, 347, 349-50

Folgore Parachute: 338

Friuli: 338

Littorio:

mentioned, 220

and Battle of Gazala. 265

and advance to El Alamein, 288, 290

in fighting at El Alamein, 340

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 387

Pavia:

command of, 20, 139n

and operation CRUSADER, 86

in Crüwell Group, 219n

in Battle of Gazala, 226

and advance to El Alamein, [.290

in fighting at El Alamein, 347, 349-50

Pistoia: 338

Sabratha: 139n, 219n, 346

Savona: 19-20, 95

Trento:

command of, 20, 139n

and operation CRUSADER, 78, 86

in Crüwell Group, 219n

in Battle of Gazala, 231

Trieste:

command of, 20, 139n

and operation CRUSADER, 34, 53, 55, 68, 75-6, 85-6

mentioned, 80, 220

in Battle of Gazala, 225-9, 235, 239

reinforcement of, 265n

and advance to El Alamein, 290

in fighting at El Alamein, 351

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 387

Italian East Africa:

end of campaign in, 1

Italian High Command:

and need to capture Tobruk, 19, 21-2

and supplies, 76, 145, 378, 382

and operation CRUSADER, 79-80, 84, 95

and advance to Gazala, 145

and Battle of Gazala, 253

on an advance into Egypt, 278

Panzerarmee directly responsible to, 378

Italian Naval Staff: 323

Italian Navy:

mentioned, 15, 157

in convoy operations, 103, 109-14, 158-9, 163, 326

losses of, 106, 174

in action off Cape Bon, 109-10

and supplies to North Africa, 109, 163

in First Battle of Sirte, 112-3

and human torpedo attacks, 115, 124, 192

strength of, 117, 156, 173, 178, 411

and Force H, 123, 156

and Malta convoys, 156-7, 160, 164-70, 183, 303-13, 316, 323

gains confidence, 159, 299

in Second Battle of Sirte, 166-70, 172

and guns, 170

and capture of Malta, 194

oil fuel for, 277, 323, 338

Tenth Light Flotilla: 115

‘Italuft’: 21

Italy:

declares war on United States, 121

Ithuriel, HMS: 319

–J–

Jackal, HMS: 190-1

Jackman, Captain J. J. B.: 61-2

Jaguar, HMS: 114

Jalo:

capture of, 8, 50

mentioned, 79

Japan:

her entry into war, 80, 96, 121, 131-3, 363

attacks Thailand and Malaya, 128

and threat to Burma, 128

reaches agreement with Russia, 131

and Tripartite Pact, 131

Japanese Government: 131

Jarabub:

deception at, 8

air action at. 17

Jervis, HMS: 115, 165, 190-1

‘Jock’ columns: 254, 286, 342

Johnson, Brigadier G. F.: 261, 263-4, 267

Jumna, HMIS: 124

–K–

Kandahar, HMS: 114

Kelvin, HMS: 165

Kentucky, tanker: 301, 305-6

Kenya, HMS:

and HARPOON convoy, 301, 307

and PEDESTAL convoy, 317, 320, 323

Kesselring, Field-Marshal Albert:

becomes C.-in-C., South, 21

and operation CRUSADER, 84

and system of command, 98

arrives in Rome, 108

and Rommel’s offensive, 145-6

and Malta, 175, 193-5, 265-6, 278

takes temporary command of Cr-Owen group, 228

and Battle of Gazala, 237

and Tobruk, 265-6

and an advance into Egypt, 278

and PEDESTAL convoy, 323

his commitments, 339

mentioned, 342, 378. 383

and supplies for Panzerarmee, 382

and Battle of Alam el Halfa, 389

Keyes, Lieut.-Colonel G. C. T.: 22

King, Fleet Admiral E. J.: 361

Kingston, HMS: 165, 169-70, 180

Kipling, HMS: 90, 165, 190-1

Kippenberger, Brigadier H. K.: 344, 349

Kirkland, petrol carrier: 216

Klopper, Major-General H. B.:

commands 2nd South African Division, 217, 261

and defence of Tobruk, 263-4, 267-73

Knight, Lieut.-Colonel J. O.: 271

Knightsbridge:

mentioned, 78, 224

lighting round, 238-43

Koenig, Brigadier General M-P.: 231, 236-7

Kopanski, Major-General S.: 38, 82

Kreta: 382n

Kufra:

capture of, 8

Kujawiak: 307

–L–

Lance, HMS: 103, 111

Lanciere: 170

Latona, HMS: 25

Leatham, Vice-Admiral Sir Ralph, Vice-Admiral, Malta: 158, 303, 322

‘Leathercol’: 288-9

Ledbury, HMS: 321-2

Legion, HMS: 109-10, 164-5, 170-1

Lerici: 326

Libeccio: 104

Libyan Omar: capture of, 48

Lismore, HMAS: 124

Littorio:

in convoy operations, 111

in Second Battle of Sirte, 166, 169

and VIGOROUS convoy, 310-11, 313

Lively, HMS:

and enemy convoys, 103, 190-1

in convoy operations, 111, 165

in Second Battle of Sirte, 168-9

Liverpool, HMS: 301-2, 306

Lloyd, Air Vice-Marshal H. P., Air Officer Commanding, Malta: 148. 181, 314-5

Loerzer, General Bruno: 21

Lomax, Brigadier C. E. N.: 43

Long Range Desert Group:

strength and state of, 8

reconnaissances by, 8-9

and operation CRUSADER, 9, 89

and fighting at El Alamein, 344, 358

Luftwaffe:

strength and state of, 6, 14-5, 76, 87, 140, 178, 212, 266, 283-4, 385

8.8-cm. gun manned by, 28n

carries supplies to North Africa, 79, 94, 211

attacks Malta, 93, 118, 157-8, 161-2, 170-1, 178-9, 181-2, 184, 212

system of command in, 98

covers convoys to Africa, 158

and Malta convoys, 166, 169-71, 251-2, 255, 301-2, 305, 307, 309, 318-21, 323-4

and Russian campaign, 184

and capture of Malta, 195

losses of, 381

(in North Africa)

supplies for, 6, 15, 381-2

attacks Bir el Khireigat, g

losses of, 9, 16-8, 43, 51, 60, 99, 150, 210, 227, 236-7, 241, 258, 336, 38 t

and operation CRUSADER, 15, 18, 39, 41, 43, 50-1, 57, 60, 76, 87, 92

and advance to Gazala, 142, 150

operations during the lull, 210-12

and Battle of Gazala, 225, 230, 235-6, 239, 241, 256, 258

and attack on Tobruk, 265-6

and advance to Matruh, 288

and advance to El Alamein, 294

lack of co-operation between Panzerarmee and, 336

attacks targets in Egypt, 337

mentioned, 339

and fighting at El Alamein, 341, 344, 347, 351

operations in August, 381

and Battle of Alam el Halfa, 383-5, 389-90

(in Balkans)

strength and state of, 14-5, 212

operations and losses of, 191, 211, 221, 266

(in Sicily)

arrival of, 76, 80, 174

strength of, 118, 174, 181, 212, 221, 322

operations of, 181-2

withdrawals from, 186, 193

reinforcement of, 278

Luftflotte 2:

command of, 21

and Malta, 70, 193

mentioned, 98, 381

Fliegerkorps II:

command of, 21

arrives in Sicily, 108

and Malta, 182, 195

strength of, 188

Fliegerkorps X:

protects convoys to North Africa, 20

command of, 21, 98

mentioned, 71

and Malta, 195

Lumsden, Major-General H.:

wounded, 137, 354

commands 1st Armoured Division, 217

and Battle of Gazala, 224-5, 240-2

and withdrawal to El Alamein, 292

and fighting at El Alamein, 349, 352

Luqa:

air attacks on, 182

Lyster, Rear-Admiral A. L. St. G.: 316

Lyttelton, Rt. Hon. Oliver:

and operation CRUSADER, 12n

and relief of Tobruk garrison, 24

and capture of Tripoli, 119

and defence of northern frontier, 124

and command in Iraq and Persia, 128

becomes Minister of Production, 129

his usefulness as Minister of State, 129

and timing of a resumed offensive, 198

–M–

Macgregor, Brigadier L. E.: 256n

Maclean, Air Commodore L. L.: 244

Malaya:

Japanese attack on, 121, 128

Malaya, HMS:

in Force H

and fighter reinforcements for Malta, 163

and HARPOON convoy, 301-3, 307

Maleme:

air attacks on, 79

Malocello: 304

Malta:

for Governor see Dobbie, for Supreme Commander see Gort, for Vice-Admiral see Ford and Leatham, for AOC see Lloyd and Park

air forces at, 15, 159, 162, 205, 299-300, 317, 323

as striking base, 70, 94, 155, 161, 178, 185, 193-4, 197, 203, 209, 211, 244, 299, 314, 392

air attacks on, 93-4, 108, 118, 148, 157-8, 162-3, 166, 170, 173-5, 178-82, 184-5, 188, 193-4, 206, 209, 212, 244, 278, 314

reinforcements and supplies for, 108, 110-13, 117, 155-73, 177, 181-4, 187, 189, 193, 197, 200-1, 204, 244-5, 251-2, 299-314, 316-26, 329

an Axis assault on, 156, 174-5, 186, 193-5, 277-8

as a staging post, 161, 185

living conditions at, 162, 181, 186, 325

first Spitfires for, 162

defence and defences of, 170, 179, 186, 194, 201, 203-4

awarded George Cross, 185

mine-laying around, 188

in grave peril, 189

Malta Defence Committee: 181, 186

Maltese Government: 186

Manchester, HMS: 317, 320

Mantovani: 106

Manxman, HMS: 155

Manzetti, General Ferruccio: 89n

Maori, HMS: 109, 162

Maraua:

air attacks on. 87

Marchesi, General Vittorio: 21

Marcks, Colonel Werner: 140, 151

Maritza: 105

Marriott, Brigadier J. C. O.:

commands 22nd Guards Brigade, 37, 85, 137

and retreat to Gazala, 141

Marshall. General G. C.: 361

Martuba:

air attacks on, 17, 41, 210, 212, 225, 244

Mason, Captain D. W.: 322

Matchless, HMS: 307

Matruh (Mersa):

consequences of a withdrawal to, 280

demolitions at, 296

bombardment of, 316, 338

air attacks on, 336, 339

as a supply base, 378

Matsuoka, Mr.: 131

Maxwell, Major-General Russell L.: 373-4

McCreery, Major-General R. L.: 369

Me.109F:

superiority of, 14, 76, 93, 100, 162, 221

and Spitfire, 337

Mediterranean Fleet:

and operation CRUSADER, 19, 38, 51, 102

tasks of, 19, 117

and Inshore Squadron, 24

and Tobruk, 25-6, 90, 262, 315

its superiority in Mediterranean, 76

losses of, 108, 117, 133, 155-6, 173, 185, 299. 301, 315

in action off Cape Bon, 109-10

and enemy convoys to Africa, 109-14, 163, 173, 190-1, 325-6, 391

in convoy operations, 110-11, 113-4, 155-60, 164-72, 301-14, 316-22

in First Battle of Sirte, 112-3

and human torpedo attacks, 115, 124, 192

strength of, 117, 178, 409

effect of German submarines on, 118

and reinforcements for Malta, 155-6, 160, 172, 299-300, 323-5

bombards Rhodes, 163

in Second Battle of Sirte, 166-9, 172

and Cunningham, 177-8

lacks lighter coyer, 178

supports 8th Army, 315, 338

dispersed, 315-6, 325, 338, 342

bombards Mersa Matruh, 316

stages diversionary operation, 318

reinforcements for, 326, 372

in anti-shipping sweeps, 328

and defence of Egypt, 334

Medway, HMS:

and human torpedoes, 192

sunk, 315, 326, 329

Melbourne Star, m.v.: 320-1

Mellenthin, Major (later Lieut-Colonel) F. W. von: 139, 346

Menzies, Rt. Hon. Robert: 23

Merchant Navy: 25-6, 172, 178

Messervy, Major-General F. W.:

and operation CRUSADER, 9, 37

mentioned, 57

commands 1st Armoured Division, 137

and retreat to Gazala, 138, 141, 143-4, 146, 148, 151

on training, 153

and Battle of Gazala, 223-4, 232, 234-5, 240, 255, 257

captured, 224

Mickl, Colonel Johann: 64, 66, 68

Micklethwait, Captain St. J. A.: 167-9

Middle East:

estimated Axis air strength in, 14-5

withdrawals and diversions from, 122-8, 133, 363

threatened from the north, 126-8, 363

instability of countries in, 127

needs Minister of State, 129

situation in, 133

command in, 367-8

general review, 392-3

Middle East Defence Committee:

and postponement of operation CRUSADER, 12

on northern front, 124

on timing of a resumed offensive, 203-4

on a withdrawal to Matruh, 280

asks for guidance, 363

Middle East Joint Planning Staff: 376

Middle East War Council: 374

Miers, Commander A. C. C.: 174

Minister of State in the Middle East:

see Lyttelton, Monckton and Casey

Minqar Qaim:

New Zealand Division at, 288-293

Misa, Brigadier L.: 356

Miteiriya:

mentioned, 332

actions at, 335, 357-9

Mobile Naval Base Defence Organisation: 123

Monckton, Sir Walter: 130, 181, 198

Monginevro: 87n

Montecuccoli: 303

Montezemolo, Colonel: 76, 79

Montgomery, Lieut.-General B. L.:

commands 8th Army, 368-9, 376

and state of 8th Army, 370, 385, 390

mentioned, 381

and Battle of Alam el Halfa, 383-5, 387-9, 391

Morshead, Major-General L. J.: 22, 345

Musaid:

capture of, 48

Mussolini, Benito:

and German domination in Mediterranean, 21

and command in North Africa, 49n

and Tunisian ports, 69-70

mentioned, 80

and withdrawal to El Agheila, 92

and advance to Gazala, 145, 151

on supplies, 152

meets Hitler at Berchtesgaden, 195, 219

and fuel for Italian Navy, 277, 323, 338

on operation HERKULES, 277

and an advance into Egypt, 277-8, 338

and PEDESTAL convoy, 323

Myriel, water carrier: 90

–N–

Nahas Pasha: 130

Naiad, HMS:

bombards Halfaya defences, 41

and enemy convoys, 110, 112

at Alexandria. 117

sunk, 163

Naples:

air attacks on, 15, 60

Napoli: 113

Navarrini, General Enea: 20

Nehring, Major-General Walther:

commands DAK, 220

and fighting at El Alamein, 340, 350, 355

and Battle of Alam el Halfa, 383, 386

Nelson, HMS: 316-7

Neptune, HMS:

and operation CRUSADER, 43

and enemy convoys, 105, 113-4

in convoy operation, 111

Nestor, HMAS: 313

Netherlands East Indies:

Allied collapse in, 200

Neumann-Silkow, Major-General Walther: 63, 77

Newcastle, HMS: 308, 310, 312

New Zealand Artillery:

6th Field Regiment: 350n

New Zealand Government: 14-5, 127, 287

New Zealand Railway Construction Companies: 10th and 13th: 10

Nicholl, Captain A. D.: 114, 180

Nichols, Lieut.-Colonel (later Major-General) J. S.: 69, 251, 284n

Nigeria, HMS: 317, 319-20

Nizam, HMS: 25

Norrie, Major-General C. W. M.:

commands 30th Corps, 2. 37, 217

and operation CRUSADER, 7-8, 37, 42, 46, 48, 50, 54, 56, 64, 66-9, 74-5, 77-8, 81, 94-5

on British tanks, 27

mentioned, 41, 345

and retreat to Gazala, 146

and Battle of Gazala, 218, 224, 232, 239-41, 248, 253. 255, 257-8

and fighting at El Alamein, 332

North Africa Command (Axis): 20

Nye, Lieut.-General A. E., Vice-Chief of the Imperial General Staff: 201

–O–

Oasis Force:

tasks of, 8

mentioned, to

and operation CRUSADER, 38, 50-1, 89

O’Conor, Captain R. C.: 114

Ogaden: 326

Ohio, tanker: 318-22

OKH:

and operation CRUSADER, 80, 84

and Battle of Gazala, 237, 274

and Tobruk, 258

Rommel reports to, 338-9, 344

and Battle of Alam el Halfa, 382-3

OKW:

estimate British strength, 20

and operation CRUSADER, 79, 95

on entry of Japan, 132

and an advance into Egypt, 277

and supplies for Rommel, 377

and Battle of Alam el Halfa, 388

Olterra: 329

Olympus, HMS: 193, 300

Ondina: 329

Orari, m.v.: 301, 305, 307

Oriani: 306

Orizaba, USS: 353n

–P–

P.31, HMS: 311

P.34, HMS: 311

P.35, HMS: 311

P.36, HMS: 160, 165-6

P.39, HMS: 172

P.42, HMS: 323

P.44, HMS: 326

Padenna: 382n

Page, Lieut.-Colonel Geddes: 270

Pakenham, HMS: 310

Pampas, m.v.: 164, 170-2, 178

Park, Air Vice-Marshal K. R., Air Officer Commanding, Malta: 315

Parracombe, s.s.: 324

Parramatta, HMAS: 90

Parthian, HMS: 314

Partridge, HMS: 304-6

Pass of Balmaha, s.s.: 25

Pearl Harbour:

attack on, 121, 132

PEDESTAL: 316-25, 328-9, 381

Penelope, HMS:

and enemy convoys, 103-5, 113-4

in convoy operations. 111, 157, 160, 164-5, 170, 172, 180-1

Penn, HMS: 322

Peony, HMS: 90

Pepys Column: 85, 88

Percy, Lieut.-Colonel J. E. S.: 251

Perla: 328-9

Persia:

defence of, 124, 129, 363

“Treaty of Alliance with, 129

internal security of, 362

Persia and Iraq Command:

creation of, 205, 375-6

offered to Auchinleck, 369, 376

Wilson takes command of, 376

early life of, 424-6

Petain, Marshal: 120

Petrella, water-carrier: 11

Phoebe, HMS: 25, 317

Piazzoni, General: 80

Picci Fassio: 382n, 388

Pienaar, Brigadier (later Major-General) D. H.:

and operation CRUSADER, 50, 64, 66

mentioned, 217

and Battle of Gazala. 238, 250

and fighting at El Alamein, 342

Piraeus:

air attacks on, 211

Ploesti oilfields:

air attacks on, 206, 245, 309

Poland, Captain A. L.: 167-9, 190-1

Polish Artillery: 1st Carpathian Field Regiment: 95

Pope, Lieut.-General V. V.: 1-2

Porpoise, HMS: 326

Port Chalmers, m.v.: 320-1

Port Said:

air attacks on, 337, 381

Portal, Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles, Chief of the Air Staff: 18, 123

Potaro, m.v.: 310

Pound, Admiral Sir Dudley, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff:

and withdrawals from Mediterranean, 123

and supplies for Malta, 159, 316

mentioned, 177

Power, Rear-Admiral A. ,J.: 328

Premuda: 306

Prendergast, Lieut.-Colonel G. C.: 8

Pridham-Wippell, Vice-Admiral H. D.: 109, 178, 182

Prime Minister and Minister of Defence (Rt. Hon. Winston S. Churchill):

and command in Western Desert, I

on use of 50th (British) Division, 2

and operation CRUSADER, 3, 15

and Tobruk, 23-4, 248-9

and Auchinleck, 24, 201, 204-5, 367-9

and operation GYMNAST, 120-2

visits Washington 121-2

and diversions and withdrawals, 123-5, 127-8

and northern from, 124, 362-4, 366

and reinforcements, 127, 364

tells Wavell to look East, 128

and defeat of British armour, 153

and Malta, 182, 187, 200, 203-4, 316

and timing of a resumed offensive, 199, 201-5

obtains Vote of Confidence, 200

and Persia and Iraq Command, 205, 375-6

and Battle of Gazala, 242

and fall of Tobruk, 275

and operation TORCH, 361

visits Middle East and Russia, 362, 364, 366, 376

on priority of commitments, 363-4, 366-7

and Middle East commanders, 367, 368n

his directive to Alexander, 369

on state of 8th Army, 369-70

Prime Minister of Australia:

see Menzies, Fadden and Curtin

Prime Minister of South Africa (Field-Marshal Smuts):

forms South African administrative HQ, 2

in Cairo with Churchill, 362, 364, 376

and Middle East Command, 367

and Middle East War Council, 374n

and Persia and Iraq Command, 376

Prince of Piedmont: 175

Prince of Wales, HMS: 123

Princess Marguerite, transport: 328

Prinz Eugen: 162, 200

Prisoners:

in operation CRUSADER, 46, 48, 50, 63, 67, 82-3, 96-7

in retreat to Gazala, 150

in Battle of Gazala, 226

at Tobruk, 274

at Alamein, 346, 349-51, 355

at Alam el Halfa, 386, 388

Procida: 105

Punnet, boom defence vessel: 337

–Q–

Qotafiya: 381

Queen Elizabeth, HMS:

and human torpedo attacks, 115, 192, 329

mentioned, 117

repairs to, 315

Quinan, Lieut.-General E. P.: 129

–R–

Raeder, Admiral: 175

Ramsden, Major-General W. H. C.:

commands 50th Division, 217

and Battle of Gazala, 251

commands 30th Corps, 345

and fighting at El Alamein, 345, 357

Ras Gibeisa:

air attack on, 343

Ravenspoint, s.s.: 329

Ravenstein, Major-General Johann von: 55, 57-8, 64

Rawlings, Rear-Admiral H. B.: 105, 158

Red Sea:

opened to American shipping, 3

Rees, Major-General T. W.: 218, 284n

Reeves, Captain J. W.: 182

Reeves, Lieut.-Colonel W. R.: 267-8

Regiments:

Central India Horse: 39n

3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters):

and operation CRUSADER, 40n, 88

and retreat to Gazala, 138n

and Battle of Gazala, 240n, 257

and retreat to El Alamein, 289n, 291

in fighting at El Alamein, 349n

3rd/4th in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 386

4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters):

and operation CRUSADER, 40n, 88

and retreat to Gazala, 138n

and Battle of Gazala, 240n, 257

and retreat to El Alamein, 289n

The Guides Cavalry: 342n

4th Hussars: 240n

7th Hussars: 400

8th Hussars:

and operation CRUSADER, 48, 68

in Battle of Gazala, 224, 240n

10th (Royal) Hussars:

and retreat to Gazala, 138n, 144-5, 153

in fighting at El Alamein, 349n

11th Hussars: 85n, 86, 138n

The King’s Dragoon Guards:

and operation CRUSADER, 40, 43n, 62-3, 88

9th Lancers:

and retreat to Gazala, 138n, 144, 145n, 153

and Battle of Gazala, 257

and retreat to El Alamein, 289n

in fighting at El Alamein, 349n, 356

12th Lancers: 73, 88

New Zealand Divisional Cavalry: 95

Nottinghamshire Yeomanry: 387n

The Queen’s Bays:

and retreat to Gazala, 138n, 143-5

in Battle of Gazala, 240n

and retreat to El Alamein, 289n, 291

The Royal Dragoons: 73

2nd Royal Gloucestershire Hussars:

and operation CRUSADER, 40n, 85n, 88

in Battle of Gazala, 240n

in fighting at El Alamein, 349n

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 386

The Royal Scots Greys: 349n, 386

Staffordshire Yeomanry: 387n

Royal Tank Regiment:

1st Battalion (also 1st/6th):

and operation CRUSADER, 43n, 45

in Battle of Gazala, 240n, 257

and retreat to El Alamein, 289n

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 386n

2nd Battalion:

son, 40n, 45

3rd Battalion (also 3rd/5th):

and operation CRUSADER, 40, 88-9

in Battle of Gazala, 224, 240n, 257

in fighting at El Alamein, 349n, 356n

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 387n

4th Battalion:

and relief of Tobruk, 25

and operation CRUSADER, 43n, 45, 66, 82n

in Battle of Gazala, 232-3, 262, 267-9

5th Battalion:

and operation CRUSADER, 40n, 68

in Battle of Gazala, 231

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 386

6th Battalion:

and operation CRUSADER, 40n, 45

in Battle of Gazala, 240n

and retreat to El Alamein, 289n

in fighting at El Alamein, 349n, 356, 358

7th Battalion:

and operation CRUSADER, 43n

in Battle of Gazala, 243, 262, 268-9

8th Battalion:

and operation CRUSADER, 50, 61n, 75, 95

and retreat to El Alamein, 289n

in fighting at El Alamein, 346

40th Battalion: 356, 388

42nd Battalion: 48, 227

44th Battalion:

and operation CRUSADER, 48, 61n, 62, 95

in Battle of Gazala, 227

in fighting at El Alamein, 346, 351

46th Battalion: 356, 389

50th Battalion: 356n, 357-8, 389

4th South African Armoured Car: 223

6th South African Armoured Car: 38

Reid, Brigadier D. W.:

commands Oasis Force, 38

and operation CRUSADER, 50-1, 89

mentioned, 254

and retreat to El Alamein, 294

Renown, HMS: 182, 187

Renton, Brigadier J. M. L.: 223, 237

Repulse, HMS: 123

Resource, repair ship: 315

Rhodes:

bombardment of, 163

air attacks on, 211

Ribbentrop, Herr yon: 131

Richards, Brigadier G. W.: 224, 257, 387n

Richards, Colonel H. McA.: 264, 272

Rintelen, General Enno von:

and supplies, 70, 378

mentioned, 277

and an advance into Egypt, 338

Ritchie, Lieut.-General N. M.:

commands 8th Army, 61, 285

and operation CRUSADER, 62-3, 66-70, 73-5, 77-8, 8,. 85, 88, 92, 95, 97

and Coningham, 98

and retreat to Gazala, 142-3, 145-9, 151

and Godwin-Austen, 152

and Tobruk, 197, 245-9

and timing of a renewed offensive, 198, 204

mentioned, 205

and Battle of Gazala, 216, 218, 223, 226, 228-9, 231-2, 234, 236, 238, 241-2, 244

and Tobruk, 197, 245-9, 253, 255, 258-9, 263-4, 272-3, 275

and timing of a resumed offensive, 198, 204

forces of, 217, 238

and ‘Jock’ columns, 254, 286

his tasks, 260

and a withdrawal to Matruh. 279, 281

relieved of command, 285

and Auchinleck, 285-6

‘Robcol’: 342

Roberts, Brigadier G. P. B.: 386n

Roberts, Lieutenant P. S. W.: 174

Robertson, Brigadier C. B.: 389

Rochester Castle, m.v.: 320-1

Rodney, HMS: 316-7

Rommel, General (later Field-Marshal) Erwin:

and operation CRUSADER, 7, 9, 21. 31, 38-42, 44, 47-50, 53-9, 61, 66, 69, 71, 74-8, 84-6, 89, 91-2, 95-6, 132

supplies and reinforcements for, 19-21, 69, 76, 126, 145, 159, 193-4, 197, 219, 226, 339, 377-8, 381-2

his command, 19-20, 80, 286

and Tobruk, 20-1, 31, 38, 41, 44, 64, 103, 193-5, 219, 258, 265-7, 269, 275, 277, 392

and Bastico, 21, 97-8

nearly captured, 34, 56

criticizes Italians, 79

regains initiative, 96, 133

his abilities, 97, 152

and Kesselring, 98

and advance to Gazala, 139-49, 151-3

and Malta, 193, 219

and a resumed offensive, 212, 216, 219

and Battle of Gazala, 219, 223, 225-31, 233-5, 237-41, 249, 252-3, 257

and Crüwell, 227

promoted Field-Marshal, 275

and an advance into Egypt, 277-8, 392

mentioned, 280, 283, 361, 364-6, 369-70

and advance to El Alamein, 289-90, 296

and fighting at El Alamein, 296-7, 331-4, 340-6, 356, 359-60, 363, 381

on failure of his plans, 338-9

and Battle of Alam el Halfa, 381-3, 386-8, 391

his health, 382-3

Roosevelt, President:

mentioned, 120-1, 316

and reinforcements for Middle East, 127, 182, 187, 278-9, 374

and operation TORCH, 361

and lend-lease, 373

Rosolino Pilo: 326

Rostov:

Russians recapture, 132

Rowallan Castle, s.s.: 158-60

Royal Air Force in Middle East:

see also Western Desert Air Force

strength and state of, 12, 14-5, 20, 31, 178, 205-6, 213, 220, 374-5, 385, 392, 414-9

reinforcement and rearmament of, 13, 76, 93, 205-6, 365, 372, 374-5

and aircraft maintenance, 13, 92

tasks of, 15, 209, 211, 373

and attacks on enemy shipping, 16, 70, 93, 102, 107-8, 159, 189-90, 325-6, 391

its superiority in Mediterranean, 76

attacks enemy transport aircraft, 79

and withdrawals and diversions, 123, 205-6

and convoy operations, 156-7, 164-5, 190-1, 251, 309-11

problems of, 372-5

(in North Africa) strength of, 6, 14-5

and operation CRUSADER, 8, 15-8, 38, 41, 51, 60, 62-3, 68-9, 71, 76, 80, 93, 98-9

losses of, 9, 51, 99, 150, 211, 213, 227, 230-1, 236-7, 307, 311, 336, 347, 381

and Tobruk, 271

and retreat to Gazala 150

attacks Benghazi, 190

operations during the lull, 209-13

and Battle of Gazala, 224-5, 227, 229-30, 234, 236-7, 244

and a withdrawal to Matruh, 281

August operations, 379-81

and Battle of Alam Halfa, 385, 387-91

(in Malta) strength and state of, 14-5, 159, 162, 179, 317

operations and losses of, 15, 17-8, 51, 70, 79, 93-4, 99, 148, 150, 157-60, 162, 170-1, 173, 179, 181-2, 184-5, 188, 209, 211, 213, 302-3, 306, 312-5, 321, 326, 379

supplies and reinforcements for, 156, 182-3, 187-8, 193

Groups:

No. 201 (Naval Co-operation):

and operation CRUSADER, 19

and Malta convoys, 157, 307

strength and state of, 173, 282

and enemy shipping, 326, 379-80

204: 12

205:

helps Desert Air Force, 12

operations of, 16, 70, 150, 212,

244, 288, 345

strength and state of, 385

211: 139, 207

Wings:

No. 233: 207, 288

234: 282

239: 207

240 (later 285): 380

243: 207

258: 79, 207

262:

and operation CRUSADER, 79, 86

and retreat to Gazala, 142

replaced, 207

266: 123, 425

267: 122

270: 94. 96

Squadrons:

No. 6: 235

10: 347

11: 57, 93

13 (Hellenic): 300n

14: 57, 96, 282

18: 106

21: 150

30: 128

33:

and operation CRUSADER, 50, 86, 93

and retreat to Gazala, 144

and fighting at El Alamein, 343n

37: 343n

38:

attacks Tripoli 15

and Malta convoys, 300n, attacks Italian Fleet, 311, 313

and fighting at El Alamein, 343n

39:

and enemy shipping, 159, 163, 171, 311, 326

and Malta convoys, 300n

40: 343n

45:

and operation CRUSADER, 51,

57, 93n, 96

leaves for Far East, 123

47: 300n

55: 343n

69: 103, 300n

70: 343n

73: 210, 343n, 373

80: 43, 208n, 343n

84:

and operation CRUSADER, 57, 93n, 96

leaves for Far East, 123

86: 326

89: 212

104: 343n

107: 106

108: 343n

112: 51, 295, 343n

113: 50, 123

126: 300n

127: 282

145: 230, 343n

148: 343n

162: 343n

185: 179, 300n

202: 192

203: 192, 300n

208:

and operation CRUSADER, 86

and retreat to Gazala, 140

withdrawn, 210

works with 30th Corps, 212

and Battle of Gazala, 230

and fighting at El Alamein, 343n

state of, 380

its operations in August, 380

211: 123

213: 343n

217: 300n, 311

221: 189, 300n

223: 282, 343n

227: 309n, 326

229: 179

230: 174, 300n

233: 192

235: 300n

237 (Rhodesian): 86

249: 300n

250:

and retreat to Gazala, 149

and defence of Tobruk, 259

and retreat to El Alamein, 295

and VIGOROUS convoy, 309n

and fighting at El Alamein, 343n

252:

and Malta convoys, 157, 309n

for Desert Air Force, 282

and fighting at El Alamein, 343n

to intercept air transport traffic, 347

260: 343n

261: 128

272:

and operation CRUSADER, 93

and retreat to Gazala, 147

and Malta convoys, 157, 309n

and enemy convoys, 191

for Desert Air Force, 282

and fighting at El Alamein, 343n

to intercept air transport traffic, 347

274: 295, 343n

335 (Hellenic): 282, 343n

601: 300n

603: 300n

Alsace: 282, 343n

Lorraine: 57, 96

Flights:

No. 1435: 188, 300n

1437 (Strategical Reconnaissance): 15, 380

Survey: 15

Other Units:

Aircraft Replacement Pool: 12

No. 1 Armoured Car Company: 142

No. 2 Armoured Car Company: 142, 256

No. 2 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit: 15, 300n, 380

Royal Artillery:

see also Royal Horse Artillery

Brigades:

4th Anti-Aircraft: 262

7th Light Anti-Aircraft: 179

10th Heavy Anti-Aircraft: 179

Regiments:

4th Heavy Anti-Aircraft: 179n

7th Heavy Anti-Aircraft: 179n

10th Heavy Anti-Aircraft: 179n

32nd Light Anti-Aircraft: 179n

65th Light Anti-Aircraft: 179n

74th Light Anti-Aircraft: 179n

65th (Norfolk Yeomanry) Anti-Tank: 48n, 138n, 387n

73rd Anti-Tank:

and operation CRUSADER, 75, 82n

and retreat to Gazala, 138n

in fighting at El Alamein, 356n

76th Anti-Tank: 137, 138n

1st Field: 48n, 57, 138n

4th Field: 233-4

8th Field: 138n

11th Field: 342n, 348n

12th Field: 187

25th Field:

and operation CRUSADER, 48n, 57n

at Tobruk, 262, 264, 268

28th Field: 233-4

31st Field: 82n

51st Field:

and operation CRUSADER, 45n, 75, 85n

and retreat to Gazala, 138n

58th Field: 389n

both Field: 45, 450, 64n

72nd Field: 227n

74th Field: 387n

97th Field (Kent Yeomanry):

at Belhamed, 256n, 258

in fighting at El Alamein, 340n

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 387n

121st Field: 340n

124th Field: 340n

144th Field: 43n

57th Field: 233-4

7th Medium:

and operation CRUSADER, 48n, 75

in Battle of Gazala, 227n;

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 389n

64th Medium: 389n

67th Medium: 95, 262, 264

68th Medium: 57n, 95, 262, 264

4th Searchlight (RA/RMA): 179n

Batteries:

6th Light Anti-Aircraft: 138n

37th Light Anti-Aircraft: 356n

43rd Light Anti-Aircraft: 138n

44th Light Anti-Aircraft: 138n

57th Light Anti-Aircraft: 57n

81st/25th Light Anti-Aircraft: 227n

122nd Light Anti-Aircraft: 91n

197th Light Anti-Aircraft: 138n

225th Light Anti-Aircraft: 179n

277th Heavy Anti-Aircraft: 269

‘A’ 95th Anti-Tank: 262

227th Anti-Tank: 389n

237th Anti-Tank: 145n

259th Anti-Tank (Norfolk Yeomanry), 227n

432nd Anti-Tank: 389n

12/25th Field: 262n

31/58th Field: 262n

62nd Field: 249

203rd Field: 64n

287th Field: 262n

25/26th Medium: 227n

27/28th Medium: 138n

211th Medium: 95

231st Medium: 269

Royal Australian Air Force:

Squadrons:

No. 3:

in operation CRUSADER, 51, 93

withdrawal to El Alamein, 295

and fighting at El Alamein, 343n

450: 343n

451: 41, 96

459: 300n

Royal Engineers:

2nd Field Company: 43n

54th Field Company: 43n

232nd Field Company: 227n

1st Field Squadron: 138n

7th Field Squadron: 138n

Royal Horse Artillery:

Regiments:

1st:

and operation CRUSADER, 43n, 65

and Battle of Gazala, 257

in fighting at El Alamein, 356

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 386

2nd:

and operation CRUSADER, 40n, 63n, 91n

and retreat to Gazala, 138n, 10n

3rd: 45, 45n, 348n

4th:

and operation CRUSADER, 40n, 45, 63n, 64n

in Battle of Gazala, 224n

5th: 356n

11th (Honourable Artillery Company):

and retreat to Gazala, 137, 138n, 145n

in Battle of Gazala, 242

in fighting at El Alamein, 342n, 348n

102nd (Northumberland Hussars) Anti-Tank:

and operation CRUSADER, 40n, 63n, 91n

and retreat to Gazala, 138n, 141n

104th:

and operation CRUSADER, 43n, 65-6

in fighting at El Alamein, 348n

in Battle of Alam el Halfa, 386

107th: 43n, 65-6, 233-4

Battery: ‘C’, 40n, 224n

Royal Malta Artillery: 179

Regiments:

3rd Light Anti-Aircraft: 179n

11th Heavy Anti-Aircraft: 179n

Battery: 14th Heavy (Relief) Anti-Aircraft, 179n

Royal Navy:

see Mediterranean Fleet

Russell, Brigadier D.: 82

Russell, Brigadier H. E.: 2

Russia:

German operations in, 20, 128, 132

probable resumption of German offensive in, 126

Ruweisat Ridge:

mentioned, 332

actions at, 335, 347-51, 353-7

Rye, minesweeper: 322

–S–

Sagona, tanker: 115

Sainthill, Major H. M.: 270-1, 273-4

Salamis:

air attacks on, 211

Salvia, HMS: 90

Samos, s.s.: 25

Sanandrea: 326, 382n

Santa Elisa, s.s. (American): 320

Scharnhorst: 162, 200

Schmitt, Major-General Artur: 95-6

Scire: 115, 117, 329

Scobie, Major-General R. M.:

commands Tobruk garrison, 25, 38

and operation CRUSADER, 42, 46, 48, 61, 69

Scott-Cockburn, Brigadier J.: 39

Scythia, HMT: 353n

‘Seacol’: 219

Sea Communications:

between Italy and North Africa, 16, 173

control of in Mediterranean, 96, 124-5, 329-30

effect of North African fighting on, 315

Securitas: 209

Seidemann, Major-General Hans: 38, 390

Sherwell, Lieut.-Colonel O. W.: 271

Shingler, Brigadier General Don G.: 374n

Shuntien, m.v.: 90

Sicily:

air attacks on, 17, 79, 148, 150, 206

Sidi Barrani:

air attacks on, 295

Sidi Muftah:

defended locality at, 223

150th Brigade at, 227-9

Sidi Omar:

capture of, 48

Sidi Rezegh:

airfield captured, 40

action at, 44-8

British capture, 62

enemy capture, 67

air attacks on, 256

Sikh, HMS: 109-10, 165, 160

Singapore:

fall of, 200

Sirius, HMS: 317

Sirocco: 170

Sirry, Hussein, Pasha: 130

Sirte:

air attacks on, 60

First Battle of, 112

Second Battle of, 166-70, 177

Slatter, Air Vice-Marshal L. H.: 157

Smith, Captain F. M.: 262, 269

Smuts, Field-Marshal: see Prime Minister of South Africa

Smythe, Sergeant Q.: 231

Sollum:

capture of, 95-6

demolitions at, 296

Somali, HMS: 320

Somerville, Vice-Admiral Sir James:

receives replacements, 117

and withdrawals, 123

relinquishes command of Force H, 163

and convoy operations, 184, 308

Soudan, s.s.: 330n

South African Air Force:

in operation CRUSADER, 51

Squadrons:

No. 1: 282, 343n

2: 343n

4: 343n

5: 343n

12:

attacks enemy raiding column, g

and operation CRUSADER, 57, 87

state of, 87

and Battle of Gazala, 227

and fighting at El Alamein, 343n

21: 57, 87, 93

24: 9, 76, 343n

40:

relieves No. 208 RAF, 210

works with 13th Corps, 212

and Battle of Gazala, 230

at Tobruk, 258

withdrawn from Tobruk, 263

South African Artillery:

Regiments:

and Light Anti-Aircraft: 262

2nd Anti-Tank: 57n, 138n

2nd Field: 262, 264, 271

3rd Field: 262, 264, 271

5th Field: 95n

7th Field: 95, 138n

Batteries:

6th Anti-Tank: 262

2nd Field: 262n

5th Field: 268-9

6th Field: 242

9th Field: 268-9

19th Field: 145n

21st Field: 10

Southwold, HMS: 171

Special Air Service Brigade (later 1st SAS Regiment):

raids Gazala and Tmimi, 17

and operation CRUSADER, 89

and fighting at El Alamein, 344, 358

Sportivo: 382n, 388

Stalin, Premier: 362, 366

Stephan, Colonel: 40

Stirling, Major D.: 344

Stokes, Commander G. H.: 109-11, 117

‘Stopcol’: 219

Submarines:

(British)

and enemy convoys, 107, 158, 174, 189, 326

carry supplies to Malta, 155, 173, 189, 325-6

losses of, 74, 189, 192-3

strength of, 178

in convoy operations, 326

tasks of, 328

(German)

arrive in Mediterranean, 108

operations and losses of, 117-8, 174, 192, 216, 328-9

strength of, 118, 178, 411

(Italian)

operations and losses of, 117, 174, 328-9

strength of, 178, 411

Submarine Flotillas:

1st: 308, 313, 326

8th: 326

10th:

at Malta, 185, 314

and VIGOROUS convoy, 308, 311

‘Substance’: 320, 324

Suda Bay:

air attacks on, 336

Suez:

air attacks on, 17

Suez Canal:

air attacks on, 212

mining of, 337

enemy plan to capture, 382

Sümmermann, Major-General Max: 80

Support Groups:

1st:

relieves 7th, 137

state of, 138

and retreat to Gazala, 140-1, 143-5

7th:

on the frontier, 9

and operation CRUSADER, 39, 41-2, 44, 45n, 49, 54, 56, 62-5, 75, 81, 84-6, 88-9

relief of, 137-8

8th: 353n

Sutlej, HMIS: 124

Syfret, Rear-Admiral E. N.: 162-3, 317-20, 322

Syria:

defence of, 124, 126, 363

internal security of, 362

–T–

Takali:

air attacks on, 182

Takoradi air route:

aircraft deliveries by, 13, 282, 283n

Talabot, m.v.: 164, 170-2, 178

Talisman, HMS: 21, 328

Tamer:

raid on, 89

Tanimbar, m.v.: -2

Tanks:

American:

Stuart light:

arrive in Middle East, 4

description of, 28, 71, 100, 214, 243

M3 (Grant):

arrival of, 214

description of, 214-5, 243

distribution of, 215

mentioned, 279n

Sherman:

for Middle East, 278-9

British:

supply of, 4-5, 31

description of, 27-8

distribution of, 30-1, 215

losses of, 91-2, 100, 233, 243, 391

repair of, 243

performance of, 369, 434-44

Matilda:

arrive in Middle East, 4;

description of, 27, 391

Crusader:

defects of, 5, 27, 71, 198

changes in, 214

Valentine:

description of, 27, 391

distribution of, 220

German:

performance of, 369, 434-44

Pzkw II, III, IV:

description of, 26-7, 214, 346n

supply and distribution of, 30, 214, 220

losses of, 92, 100, 239

Italian:

distribution of, 30, 220

losses of, 100

particulars of, 441

M13/40:

description of, 27

M14/41: 220

Note on tanks, armour and anti-tank guns: 434-44

Tedder, Air Marshal (later Air Chief Marshal) Sir Arthur:

see also Commanders-in-Chief

and operation CRUSADER, 3, 18, 24, 97-8

and maintenance, 13

and relief of Tobruk, 24-5

and retreat to Gazala, 147

and Malta, 181

and Dobbie, 186

mentioned, 198. 315

and rearmament and reinforcement, 206, 230, 374

commitments of, 209

and operation VIGOROUS, 307

and support for 8th Army, 335

promoted Air Chief Marshal, 335n

on airfield construction, 373

and Persia and Iraq, 376

Tell el Eisa:

actions at, 335, 345-7, 357, 388

Tennant, Rear-Admiral W. G.: 308, 310

Thailand:

Japanese attack on, 128

Thermopylae, m.v.: 157

Theron, Major-General F. H.: 2, 263

Thompson, Brigadier L. F.: 262, 269

Thorgrim, HMSAS.: 90

Thorn, HMS: 328

Thrasher, HMS: 174, 192

‘Tiger’: 136, 324

Tirpitz: 162

Tmimi:

air attacks on, 17, 41, 43, 210, 212, 225, 230, 244

Tobruk:

siege of, 10-11, 24, 28, 44, 53, 70, 78-9, 259

air attacks on, 17, 22, 25, 212, 336, 339, 345, 352, 379, 388

question of Axis attack on, 19-22, 29, 31, 38-9, 41, 103, 193-5, 219-20

importance of, 22

defence and defences of, 22, 33, 52, 67, 197-8, 245-51, 253-5, 258-64

relief of Australian troops in, 23-5

actions at, 44-9, 264-73

as a supply base, 90-1, 135, 215, 244, 325, 378, 382

fall of, 273-5, 277-9, 296, 392

Tobruk Garrison: 22-5, 29-30, 38

Todd, Commodore P.: 328

Torbay, HMS: 21, 174

TORCH: 367, 369

Toscano, Vice-Admiral Antonino: 109

Treaties, etc.:

Anglo-Soviet-Persian, 129

Anglo-Egyptian, 130

Tripartite Pact, 131

Soviet Japanese Pact of Neutrality, 131

Trento: 104, 169, 310-12

Trieste: 104-5

Tripoli:

air attacks on, 15-7, 79, 93, 102, 148, 150, 206, 209

Tripolitania:

air attacks on, 17, 149

defence of, 84, 152

supplies to, 94

plans to advance into, 119-20, 199, 364

enemy air forces in, 140

Troilus, m.v.: 301, 305

Tuker, Major-General F. I. S.:

commands 4th Indian Division, 137

and retreat to Gazala, 145, 148-9, 151

Turkey:

threat of attack through, 2, 126

aid for, 124

conference with, 124n

–U–

U.73: 318

U.74: 192

U.75: 90

U.79: 90

U.81: 108

U.133: 157

U.205: 313

U.331: 22n, 109

U.372: 315, 329

U.557: 110

U.565: 163

U.568: 192

U.573: 192

U.652: 328

Una, HMS: 328

United States Army Forces in Middle East: 374

United States Army Middle East Air Force:

see also Halverson Detachment

reinforcements for, 283

operations of, 311

integration of, 374-5

and Battle of Alam el Halfa, 385

United States Chiefs of Staff:

and conduct of War, 122

and Halverson Detachment, 309

United States Military Iranian Mission: 373-4

United States Military North African Mission: 373-4

United States of America:

flow of munitions from, 3-4

entry into war of, 96, 121, 200

and operation GYMNAST, 120

and operation TORCH, 361

increasingly active in Middle East, 373-5

United States Persian Gulf Service Command: 374, 426

Unwin, Brigadier E. S.: 2

Upham, Captain C. H.: 293, 350

Upholder, HMS: 104, 171, 192-3

Urge, HMS: 110, 171, 192-3

Utmost, HMS: [105]

–V–

Vaerst, Lieut.-General Gustav von: 227, 383, 386

Valiant, HMS:

and enemy convoys, 109

and human torpedo attacks, 115, 192, 329

mentioned, 117

leaves for Durban, 192

Vallentin, Brigadier C. M.: 138, 144

‘Venezia’: 223

Veniero: 328

Vian, Rear-Admiral Sir Philip:

commands 15th Cruiser Squadron, 110

and enemy convoys, no, 163

in convoy operations, 111-13, 157, 159-60, 164-72, 180, 183n, 307-8, 310-13, 316

mentioned, 117, 158

leaves 15th Cruiser Squadron, 328

Vice-Admiral, Malta:

see Ford and Leatham

Vice-Chief of the Air Staff:

see Freeman

Vice-Chief of the Imperial General Staff:

see Nye

Vichy Government: 121

Victoria: 159

Victorious, HMS: 182, 316, 319

VIGOROUS:

mentioned, 245, 251, 255-6, 315-6, 324, 328

plan for, 299-300, 307-9

description of operation, 307-13

Vittorio Veneto: 110, 310

Vivaldi: 304-6

Volo, m.v. 90

Volturno: 106

Voroshilov, Marshal: 366

–W–

Wachtfels: 326

Wafd Party: 130

Waimarama, m.v.: 320-1

Wairangi, m.v.: 320

Wakenshaw, Private A.: 289

Waldau. Lieut.-General Otto Hoffmann von:

reinforcements for, 193

forces of, 212

on lack of army/air co-operation, 227, 336

on misuse of air forces, 235

on RAF performance, 337

on shortage of fighters and fuel, 339

commands Fliegerkorps X, 381

Waller, Brigadier R. B.: 348n

‘Wall Group’: 348

Walter, Captain P. N.: 262, 270

Wanklyn, Lieut.-Commander M. D.: 193

War Cabinet:

see also Defence Committee

and Tobruk, 23

should be represented in Middle East, 129

mentioned, 130

and Dobbie, 186

and timing of a resumed offensive, 198, 201, 203-4

on Middle East Command, 368

and Persia and Iraq Command, 375-6

War Office: 23, 362, 391

Ward Gunn, 2nd Lieutenant G.: 44

Warspite, HMS: 184, 308

Warszawa, m.v.: 90

Wasp, USS:

carries fighters for Malta, 155, 182, 187, 300, 318

Watkins, Brigadier H. R. B.: 37, 95

Wavell, General Sir Archibald:

mentioned, 2-3, to, 368

and 17th Indian Division, 123

and Iraq and Persia Command, 128, 375

in Cairo with Churchill, 362, 364, 366

appointed Viceroy of India, 376

Welshman, HMS:

carries supplies to Malta, 155, 187-9, 300, 306, 314, 324-5

Western Cyrenaica:

air attacks on enemy airfields in, 51

maintenance of forces in, 94

air superiority in, 99

threat to, 141

British reoccupation of, 161

effect of loss of airfields in, 197

Western Desert Air Force:

strength and state of, 12, 18, 31, 139-40, 205, 210, 220, 230, 282-3, 385, 392, 420-3

mobility of, 13

training of, 13, 207, 373

and air support, 14, 35, 208, 256, 352

and operation CRUSADER, 14, 17, 35, 38, 41, 51, 55, 57, 60, 74-6, 83, 86-7, 92-3, 96, 98, 205

losses of, 51, 60, 76, 79, 99, 213, 227, 237, 241-2, 258, 288

and Tobruk, 90, 275

co-operates with 8th Army, 98, 294, 296, 370

and retreat to Gazala, 148-9

reorganization of, 205-9

and defence of airfields, 208

operations during the lull, 210-13

and Battle of Gazala, 224-5, 227, 230, 234-5, 237, 239, 241, 255-6, 258-9

and VIGOROUS convoy, 251

reinforcements for, 282, 372, 375, 393

and a withdrawal to Matruh, 283, 287-8

and withdrawal to El Alamein, 293-6, 335, 373

based on Egypt, 335

and fighting at El Alamein, 343, 346, 352, 358, 361

and Battle of Alam el Halfa, 383, 385

Western Desert Escort Force: 24n, 90

Western Desert Force:

becomes 13th Corps, Westphal, Colonel Siegfried:

and operation CRUSADER, 58

and advance to Gazala, 139

and Battle of Gazala, 226

wounded, 229

Weygand, General Maxime: 120-1

Wheeler, Brigadier General Raymond A.: 373-4

Whiteley, Brigadier J. F. M.: 272

Whyte, Lieut.-Colonel I. B.: 271

Willison, Brigadier A. C.:

commands 32nd Army Tank Brigade, 38

and operation CRUSADER, 43, 61-2

at Tobruk, 261, 263, 267-8, 271

Wilson, General Sir Henry Maitland: 1, 376

Wishart, HMS: 192

Wolverine, HMS: 318

Wrestler, HMS: 192

–Y–

Yarra, HMAS: 124

–Z–

Zaffiro: 115, 328

Zulu, HMS: 165