The next phase in North Africa

Following the end of fighting in Syria, the next major development was the massive reinforcements sent to North Africa. After the Italian surrender in East Africa, the 4th and 5th Indian Divisions and the 1st Sourth African Division were sent to Egypt. From the UK arrived the HQ 50th Division, the New Zealand Division, and the 7th Australian Division. From Australian came the 9th Australian Division. The liners Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth brought troops from Australia to the Red Sea. Since the Italian defeat in East Africa, they were able to north to Suez. This is based on the account in Vol.II of the Official History.