Despite protests from the Italian commander-in-chief, Rommel separated the division into several columns which fanned out across Cyrenaica. The British withdrew to the Mechili crossroads, where scattered elements of the 3rd Indian Brigade and 2nd Armored Division were stationed.
Objectives: Your platoon will move east on the road while the remainder of your company will envelop the enemy from the northwest and southwest. Take the crossroads and destroy any enemy forces encountered.
