Changes on 1 December 1941

Not only did the New Zealand Division withdraw to the Egyptian frontier, but the 1st South African Division moved back to Taieb el Esem. The 13th Corps Commander, General Godwin-Austen had grown uneasy about holding El Duda, but Lt-Col. Nichols, the 1st Essex Regiment commander, told him that the position was "growing stronger every hour". The 70th Division commander, General Scobie, commended the colonel: "Well done, I admire your spirit". Too often, in the Crusader Battle, we saw timidity and readiness to withdraw. On the frontier between Egypt and Libya, the remaining Axis pockets were either eliminated or at least contained. Much of this was being done by 4th Indian Division troops. This is based on the account in Vol.III of the Official History.