North Africa Episode 10: Rommel’s Desert Cannae: The Trap at Mechili

Overview

This episode, Rommel sets up a “Cannae, modern style” at Mechili, a three-pronged encirclement with Wechmar pressing from the west, Schwerin/Ariete and MG 8 driving up from the south, and Olbrich’s panzers meant to close the center. A Ghibli, fuel chaos, and delays upset the timing, but Ponath cuts the Derna road and captures Generals Neame and O’Connor. And after failed breakout attempts against Fabris, the Bersaglieri, and Streich, Gambier-Parry surrenders about 1,700 men and Mechili falls, opening the road to Tobruk.