8 March 1941

Arrival and Departure of Subordinated Troops

Arrived in Tripoli:

Regimental Staff, Pz.Regiment 5, II./Pz.Regiment 5[1]

The Commander goes into the forward line and to the blocking position at the salt lakes.[2] Around midday he instructs the commander of Div.Ariete regarding his new sector and discusses all measures to be taken. During the evening General Rommel returns to Tripoli.

[1]Pz.Regiment 5 was the armoured force element of 5.lei.Division with eight tank companies in two battalions. II./Pz.Regiment 5 was its second battalion, with companies 5, 6, 7, and 8.

2]The salt lakes at el Agheila created a natural blocking position, because they could not be crossed easily or at all by motorised forces. They therefore channeled any possible advance.