This Special Bulletin is based on material contained in a number of reports by American official observers in Cairo. These reports, written in July, August, and September, 1941, present a comparatively full account of operations in North Africa, with particular emphasis on the Battle of Salum. In addition, supplementary information has been secured by personal interviews with observers returning from North Africa. Explanatory notes are based on material available in the Military Intelligence Division. The account of the disposition and movements of British forces is reasonably complete, but adequate information on Axis forces is lacking. It has been impossible, therefore, to indicate more than a few movements of German and Italian units, and the German and Italian troops referred to in the text and on the map must not be interpreted as comprising the complete Axis forces actually engaged. Table of contents: the Middle East Command, September 1939-June 1941; terrain; tactical background; order of battle; plans and preliminary moves of the British; operations, June 15-17; lessons and comments; Axis forces in the Tobruk area; artillery radio communications of the 7th Armored Division; medical services of the 7th Armored Division; supply of the 7th Armored Division; maintenance and recovery of vehicles; and leaguering.

N3899 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.