Cassell, 2001, $19.95, ISBN 0-304-35952-1, 267 pages, trade paperback

The third volume in this series of reprints continues on with the same grace and style as the first two. Pitt weaves the tale of an exhausted DAK, short of fuel, ammo, troops, and air support parked outside the El Alamein line while the British under new commander Montgomery build an overwhelming material advantage.

Rommel, realizing the increasing disadvantage, opts for an attack to try and break the line. It fails, in part because "Monty" has decreed that his armoured forces should not pursue retreating panzers, as past efforts showed an ineptitude for swirling battles. Thus, the DAK could no longer run rings around British formations, pick off isolated units, and capture stocks of petrol, ammo, vehicles, and water.

Rommel broke off the attack. Despite a personal appearance by the field marshal at Hitler's HQ in Germany, no further reinforcements could be expected (despite grand promises) and few supplies would trickle in (the Allies were picking off tanker ships with regularity and strafing anything that moved behind German lines). As the edge steadily increased for the Allies, Monty plotted his offensive, then unleashed it.

All told, I enjoyed these three volumes immensely and can recommend them as part of any Desert War library.

More Crucible of War

Volume I: Wavell's Command
Volume II: Auchinleck's Command
Volume III: Montgomery and Alamein