Conflicting plans in the continued battles for Sidi Rezegh and the Egyptian frontie

We have to think that General Auchinleck was only vaguely aware of the risks he was taking in continuing the battle against the enemy forces on 24 November 1941. Auchinleck took full responsibility for the operations from that point. He still intended to defeat the German armor and drive the enemy back to the Tripolitanian frontier. He intended to recapture the ridge from Sidi Rezegh to Ed Duda. They would then make contact with the Tobruk sortie force. He depended on two New Zealand brigades and some Valentine infantry tanks to accomplish the task. That matched quite well what the commanders on the spot were doing. The 6th New Zealand Brigade moved up to Sidi Rezegh on 23 November. Their field artillery and anti-tank guns accounted from some of the German tank losses. The 26th New Zealand Battalion as only near the battlefield, wihile the 25th and 26th New Zealand Battalions were heavily engaged fighting German infantry from the 361st Regiment. The fighting took place near point 175.
The XIIIth Corps Commander was informed by General Cunningham on 24 November that he was took take charge of the relief effort for Tobruk, including the 70th Division and the Polish brigade. General Godwin-Austen had considered using the South African Division, but only one brigade was still uncomitted. By the end of 23 November, the Sidi Rezegh battlefield seemed to be a bad situation. The British felt defeated and were waiting to be gathered up by the enemy. The British 7th Armoured Division started 24 November in tatters.
Rommel's next move was typical of how he functioned. His mobile forces would drive to the southeast and turn and catch the British on the Egyptian-Libyan Frontier in the rear. By the evening of 24 November the 21st Armored Division had crossed into Egypt and was making for Halfaya Pass. The 15th Armored Division, though, had stopped while still in Libya. The Italian armored division, the Ariete was still near Bir el Gubi. By 25 November, the 21st Armored Division headquarters had reached the Halfaya area. they were having trouble getting fuel for making a move on Capuzzo. Their armored regiment had been spent by attacking Indian troops in the vicinity of the Omars. The 15th Armored Division was also low on fuel and had made moves against the New Zealand Divisiion rear. The Ariete Division accomplished little while sparring with the 1st South African Brigade near Gabr Saleh.
The German Africa Corps had spent much of 26 November working their supply problems. The 15th Armroed Division was near Bardia. The 21st Armored Division was still near Halfaya. The each sent a battle group to hit New Zealand battalions near Capuzzo, Musaid, and "upper Salum". The New Zealand battalions were able to hold onto their positions. This is based on the account in Vol.III of the Australian Official History.