Part 5/13:
The Strategic Decision to Withdraw
Acknowledging the grim truth, Rommel decided by December 4th-5th that a full retreat was unavoidable. He ordered his forces to pull back from positions at El Duda and Bardia, focusing instead on consolidating the southern flank and preparing for a possible delaying action. The Afrika Korps began its strategic withdrawal under heavy fire, with units like the 15th Panzer and Ariete divisions repositioning south of Tobruk.