U S Army War College

British and German Logistics Support During the Wwii North African Campaign U S Army War College

Publisher Marketing: Germany did not Initially Intend to become Involved In the North African conflict. Facing a potential Italian collapse. Hitler could no longer ignore a deteriorating situation, for If Africa were lost there was a possibility that the Facist regime would also fall. removing Italy from the Axis partiership. Erwin Rommel was sent to Africa In 1941 with a small force to assist the Italians. The ensuing battles between the Axis and British forces ebbed and flowed along the North African coast for over two years. These campaigns were to become a battle of logistics characterized by severely extended lines of communication. Rommel's actions were characterized by an almost complete disregard for logistics In his operations planning. whereas British operations were characterized by methodical logistics planning, resulting In supply build-up prior to Initiating operations. Rommel was more successful than his British counterparts in applying sound tactics (similar to our current AirLand Battle doctrine). His downfall was logistics. The British. however, were more concerned with the application of sound logistics principles which In the long run served to turn the tide of the campaign. Even though they suffered tactically during the initial stages of the campaign, they learned well from their adversary, and gained the edge which resulted In ultimate victory. Britain's ability to provide what appeared to be unlimited support in what was considered an extremely critical theater. eventually permitted her forces to overwhelm the Axis "stepchildren" of North Africa. Field Marshall Rommel learned. only too late. the Importance of logistics during the conduct of this important campaign.