Desert War
The Battle of Sidi Rezegh
Author: Peter Cox and Professor Glyn Harper Series: ANZAC Battles Series
The full story of the WWII battle of Sidi Rezegh in Libya in 1941 in which the New Zealand Division played a major role.
The WWII battle of Sidi Rezegh (Nov/Dec 1941) was part of a campaign to retake eastern Libya. Partially successful, it achieved the badly needed relief of Tobruk. The New Zealand Division played a major role. Peter Cox sets the scene for the fighting, follows the stages of the action and recounts the often heroic stories of those who fought there.
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PRODUCT INFORMATION
Summary
The full story of the WWII battle of Sidi Rezegh in Libya in 1941 in which the New Zealand Division played a major role.
The WWII battle of Sidi Rezegh (Nov/Dec 1941) was part of a campaign to retake eastern Libya. Partially successful, it achieved the badly needed relief of Tobruk. The New Zealand Division played a major role. Peter Cox sets the scene for the fighting, follows the stages of the action and recounts the often heroic stories of those who fought there.
Description
Sir Geoffrey Cox described Sidi Rezegh, fought during Operation Crusader in Libya over November and December 1941, as ‘the forgotten battle of the Desert War’. The objective of Crusader was to retake Cyrenaica, the eastern region of Libya, and ultimately drive the Italians and Germans out of North Africa. The campaign also involved British and South African troops, and did achieve the badly needed relief of Tobruk.Despite the New Zealand Division’s major role, and the importance of this campaign in achieving British victory in North Africa, it has largely been neglected by historians, failing to receive as much attention as Crete, El Alamein or Cassino. Yet more New Zealand soldiers were killed or taken prisoner during Crusader than in any other campaign fought by ‘the Div’ during the war.Peter Cox, whose father fought at Sidi Rezegh, draws on his experience of twice visiting the battlefield to tell the story of this complex and costly campaign. He sets the scene for the fighting in Libya, describes the unforgiving and inhospitable desert landscape, follows the stages of the action itself and recounts the often moving and heroic stories of the New Zealanders who fought there. Many never returned home.This is both a very accessible account of a significant New Zealand contribution to World War II and a tribute to the thousands of men who took part in this punishing battle.
Critic Reviews
“"I recommend that anyone interested in this period of the war read this book as it will enhance their understanding of the campaign." - Desert Rats Association”
"I recommend that anyone interested in this period of the war read this book as it will enhance their understanding of the campaign."--Desert Rats Association
About the Author
Peter Cox undertook detailed study of the battle of Sidi Rezegh in order to write his first book, Good Luck to All the Lads (2008), which told the wartime story of his father, Brian Cox, who fought at Sidi Rezegh. After further study, he has now written this more extensive and authoritative account of the battle. Peter qualified as a chartered accountant, set up his own business consultancy and now works as a company director in Christchurch. He and his wife Robin have two adult children.
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