TOBRUK HAS been known by several names over the centuries. Tobruk Bay was known by the name Antipygros to the ancient Greek and Roman mariners who plied the Mediterranean. Tabarka and Mersa Tobruk where more modern names used during Muslim occupation. The spelling Tobruch is also in use.

In 1941 Tobruk was an important military base. It hosted the best harbour in Cyrenaica. During their occupation the Italians had built a string of fortified posts around Tobruk; constructed two water distillation plants; stockpiled fuel, food and ammunition; and tunnelled large bombproof caves in the limestone rock. By and large most of this fell into Allied hands when Tobruk was captured on 21 January 1941.

Rommel could not afford to leave Tobruk in Allied hands and push on to Egypt as the garrison could easily threaten Axis supply lines. The capture of the fortress would allow the Axis to be resupplied by sea closer to the front and cut hundreds of miles of vehicle-breaking, fuel-devouring desert travel off the supply line.

Since the 7th April, reconnaissance reports had indicated an increase in shipping in Tobruk harbour. This was interpreted by German leadership as a sign that the Allies were evacuating Tobruk[1]. In fact, the opposite was true.

By 12 April 1941 Axis forces had invested Tobruk.