September 1941: The British Army launches 'Operation Crusader' in an attempt to lift the siege of Tobruk. Although initially successful, the operation fails to achieve its objective and Tobruk remains in Axis hands.
January 1942: Rommel launches a new offensive against Tobruk. The Allies are outnumbered and outgunned and are forced to surrender on 21 June 1942.
November 1942: The Allies launch 'Operation Torch', landing troops in North Africa. This forces Rommel to retreat from Egypt and Libya and lifts the siege of Tobruk.
The Battle of Tobruk was a major turning point in the North African campaign. The Allied victory at Tobruk halted Rommel's advance into Egypt and gave the Allies a much-needed boost to morale.