While Allied divisions were being diverted Removing from North Africa , the Italians reinforced Cause_change_of_strength their positions and were supported Supporting by the arrival Arriving of the German `` Afrika Korps '' under `` Generalleutnant '' Erwin Rommel .

The Sirte , Tmed Hassan and Buerat strongholds were reinforced Cause_change_of_strength from Italy , which brought Bringing the 10th and 5th armies up to about German reinforcements were sent Sending to Libya to form Coming_to_be a blocking detachment ( ) under Directive 22 ( 11 January ) , these being the first units of the `` Afrika Korps '' ( `` Generalleutnant '' Erwin Rommel ) .

Operation Crusader ( 18 November – 30 December 1941 ) was a military operation Military_operation during the Second World War by the British Eighth Army with Allied contingents , against the Axis forces in North Africa commanded by `` Generalleutnant '' Erwin Rommel .