27 February 1941

Arrival and departure of subordinated troops

Arrived in Tripoli

M.G.Batl. 8, 5. (Pi.) M.G. Batl. 2, 1/2 Supply Services Pz.Rgt.5, Staff Quarters 5.lei.Div.[1]

Air force attacks English patrol area el Agheila and destroys it. Afternoon renewed attack on dug-in enemy forces.

At 12.00 hours a parade is taking place in front of the castle of the troops which arrived on the 4th naval transport column. March past of 2 AA batteries, the VW platoon of A.A.3 and one supply column, while on their way to the frontline.

13.00 hours at the invitation of the Commander a lunch is held at the Hotel Uaddan for His Excellency Gariboldi, His Excellency de Rubeis (Vice Governor) and His Excellency Aimone Cat, and several high-ranking Italian officers.

During the afternoon the Commander, accompanied by Major Schräpler, inspects the positions guarding Tripoli on the road Tripoli – Homs. Evening ships of the 5th naval supply column enter the harbour of Tripoli, with the whole of M.G.Batl. 8, one engineer company, the divisional staff and other units.

Original colour picture of men and supplies being unloaded in North Africa, unknown place and location. Rommelsriposte.com collection.

At 21.00 hours the Commander presents a short overview of the situation on the Libyan front to a commission of officers arrived from Berlin and Rome. Afterwards a conference is held, covering especially the supply situation.

Notes

[1]These were Machine Gun Battalion 8, the 5th (engineer) company of Machine Gun Battalion 2.