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RE: Tobruk part four: The Easter battle
Part 4! I figured I had missed it. That was a good one. They really dug trenches in the ground and let the enemy go over them? And the Germans really opened fire on the Italians when they wanted to surrender?
I'm learning so many new things.
Yep, the besieged troops in Tobruk had to get innovative and due to Rommel's tactic of punching through the enemy and them driving deep into their rear they figured they could use the tactic to lay a trap. It was a risk though although General Leslie Morshead had little choice but to think outside the square. I am sure there were heroes and villains on both sides of the Easter battle however it was win or lose Tobruk for the Allies. Fortunately they won the day.
The tactic has been used to great effect right throughout history where the centre, or one of the flanks would collapse drawing the advancing enemy into a trap. I believe Alexander the Great used it several times also as did many other military commanders also I'm sure.
On the Italians: Yes, the 12 Panzers opened up into the backs of the Italians and also at the Aussies on the defensive perimeter as well. Unfortunately most of the Italians weren't strong believers in the cause and were there under sufferance and threat. It's a pity many died whilst being herded into battle by the German's however their country were tied to the Axis forces through Mussolini and so they had little choice. Fight or die regardless.
It's amazing how sometimes one general can change the course of a whole battle, or even war because of his ability to see the situation differently than anyone else.
Did the Italians use conscription to raise their troops? Or is that too obscure a question?
I believe they were however at the time (WW2) compulsory military service was enforced (2 year periods) in Italy. Also, during Mobilisation those who had served previously were called back in and kept in until they were no longer needed. Compulsory military service is a feature of quite a few countries to this day. I believe conscription was scrapped several years ago in Italy though.
I figured there was. That would suck to get called back up when you had already done your time. It's normally not a popular thing, so not surprising they got rid of it.