The Axis air campaign

Much of the German air campaign was devoted to bombing Tobruk and the ships carrying supplies. The Germans used their divebombers to attack shipping. They also hit the harbour with divebombers, as well as level bombers. Night bombers based in Greece conducted unaimed bombing of the general area at night. The Germans also laid mines in the harbour, to do everything they could to weaken Tobruk for an anticipated attack. Apparently, the British anti-aircraft artillery were very effective. Fighter cover was less of a factor, due to the range from bases. This is based on the account in Vol.II of the Official History.