7 ROYAL Tank Regiment (RTR) and their Matilda tanks had participated in the earlier defeat of the Italians in Libya.

The men of D Squadron of 7 RTR arrived in Tobruk on HMS Auckland on 19 April 1941. They replaced the men of 4 RTR (who were shipped out to rejoin their regiment) who were manning the four Matildas already in the fortress. 'A' Lighters brought in eight Matildas on the same day.

On 30th April 'A Lighters' brought in another six Matildas. This brought the squadron up to strength.