Reorganization in North Africa in the fall of 1941

A complicating factor in the reorganization and re-equipping of British forces in North Africa was that the Australian government had asked that their troops be withdrawn from Tobruk. In the meantime, the scattered operations that General Wavell was forced, finally against his will, to pursue had left the forces in disarray. At least the opening of the Red Sea to sea traffic from America had simplified the buildup and resupply. Traffic also flowed from the UK and the Dominions with fresh troops and equipment. The goal was to start a new offensive in November 1941. This is based on the account in Vol.III of the Official History.