World War: BATTLE OF THE DESERT: Hanging Fire

“There you are, gentlemen,” said Winston Churchill, commenting on the Libyan battle. “On strategy we are all right. If a giant came and stood in front of that door to prevent our leaving, he would be strategically right. But if we kicked him in the stomach, trod on his face and left by the door, tactical operations would have vitiated all strategy.”

Winston Churchill was cautious because the battle for the Libyan desertwas not yet won. The British had gained at least their first objective, the relief of Tobruk (see p. 23). If the ferocity of German resistance made the course of the battle still a cause for anxiety (see p. 23), U.S. bystanders could at least take comfort from the good showing made by U.S. equipment (see p. 66). Decision one way or the other in the main battle could not be far off.