Part 3/13:
Rommel, the Axis commander, faced his own problems. His forces, especially the 15th Panzer Division, still harbored fighting spirit, but they were exhausted after relentless advance and protracted battles. Rommel's orders to fall back on the Tobruk perimeter were met with resistance from his staff, especially Crüwell, who questioned the timing of further offensives given the supply shortages and fatigue.