Panzerarmee Intelligence Assessment 25 January 1942

Panzerarmee Intelligence Assessment 25 January 1942

25 January 1942

Also today the German motorised forces advancing on Msus inflicted extremely heavy losses on 1st Armoured Division. The following were captured or destroyed:

  • 96 tanks and armoured cars, including some American models built in 1941
  • 38 guns
  • a large number of motor vehicles,
  • ammunition dumps and equipment
  • 10 planes were shot down or destroyed on the ground

According to aerial reconnaissance the remains of 1st Armoured Division retreated north and north-east in flight, apparently on Mechili. There according to radio reconnaissance the command of 13 Corps. 

25 jan 42

The reconnaissance forces placed in the line Sceleidima – Solluch – Ghemines (Central India Horse and 1st Welch Regt.) have pulled back their forward elements in the area of Beda Fomm, except for patrols.

According to aerial reconnaissance around noon north of Tobruk with westerly course 5 freighters with 8 destroyers. At the same time motor vehicle concentrations near Tobruk. From there heavy traffic to the west.

Radio reconnaissance establishes a command of 1st Light Free French Division west of Derna.