The plan to attack Gazala

The British had closed up to Gazala by 13 December 1941. The Axis forces appeared to be ready to make a stand on this position. The British plan was to outflank Gazala from the south, as Rommel feared. The 13th Corps commander was ready to fight. He wanted to use the 5th New Zealand Brigade to attack the front of the Gazala position. The Polish Carpathian Brigade would go around the southern flank and head for the coast road. The 4th Indian Division, sitting near Alem Hamza would attack to the northwest. They were located at the northern end of the fortified position. The 7th Support Group was on their left flank. The 4th Armoured Brigade would sweep wide and cut up to Bir Halegh el Eleba. A detachment of the Royal Dragoons and the 3rd RTR would attack the Gazala line from the west. This is what is described at the end of Robert Crisp's book, Brazen Chariots. This is based on the account in Vol.III of the Official History.