Wavell approves the dash across the desert
The armoured force moved from Mechili through Msus toward Antelat, leaving the established coastal route. The 11th Hussars covered roughly ninety miles in the initial dash while reconnaissance aircraft reported the retreating columns on the Via Balbia. Fuel and maintenance now set the timetable. The mobile force had to reach the coast road ahead of the retreating columns while retaining enough armoured cars, guns and tanks to hold the crossing point once contact was made.
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