11. RUWEISAT RIDGE 1. JULY 14, 1942

After the loss on the Gazala Line, Tobruk is soon lost and the Army withdraws; eventually setting up a defensive line at El Alamein. Your men are involved in some small delaying actions south of Tobruk and near Mersa Matruh and finally occupy the most southern positions of the El Alamein line.

By the middle of July the El Alamein line is under attack and a counterattack is planned for July 13 in the center of the Axis lines. Two New Zealand brigades, supported by your Division on the right flank, will attack Italian positions on the west end of Ruweisat Ridge; if the attack is successful it will be exploited to the north west. Ruweisat Ridge is considered to be an important position and must be held.
