The war in Noth Africa

Hi, was the war fought in Egypt, Libya ect, a totally armoured affair, with the Infantry taking a back seat, are Infantry less effectve in a Desert enviroment, could they be easily defeated if left holding an area without any mobility or armour, I recall the Germans have a name for its units in 1942, few men many weapons, were neally all the combat units had anti-tank weapons of some sort. maybe the vastness and lack of cover made the Infantry more vulnerable.
Regards Yan.

 

No.

No.

No.

No.

The British won the desert war with infantry despite having inferior/poor quality armour.
There were three parts to the desert war.

1.) Dec 1940 - Feb 1941 Resounding defeat of Italians by the British
2.) Mar 1941 - July 1942 Back & forth battle between Africa Korps & British Eighth Army

3.) Aug 1942 - May 1943 RN & RAF strangle Rommel's supplies, British build up in Egypt and finally defeat the Africa corps. (along with US/British "Torch" landings)


The British fought most of the Desert war with armour that was ill equipped to fight in the desert, the Crusader tank in particular. (weak armour, no HE capability, mechanically unreliable)
They used "infantry boxes", a tactic in which an infantry brigade would dig in to a square defensive position, behind minefields and with antitank & artillery.

During operation "Crusader" in Dec 1941, it was the British & Commonwealth infantry that stood firm and gave a slim victory to the Allies (and relieved the siege of Tobruk)

 

I See,
Regards Yan.