Tobruk

A commando unit disguised as German POW transport infiltrates deep behind Axis lines to destroy fuel depots at the port of Tobruk. The mission is complicated by suspicions that the unit has been infiltrated by a traitor.

Operation Agreement in September 1942 was a real but largely unsuccessful Allied raid combining commandos and naval forces to destroy Axis port facilities and fuel stores at Tobruk, suffering heavy losses.

The film is loosely inspired by Operation Agreement but heavily fictionalizes characters, tactics, and outcomes for entertainment.

Montgomery's Eighth Army broke the Axis line west of Alexandria and began the pursuit that ended in Tunisia.

A massive artillery barrage opened Operation Lightfoot, followed by a grinding infantry and armoured battle through minefields. Operation Supercharge broke through in early November and Rommel withdrew.

Directed by Arthur Hiller

Cast: Rock Hudson, George Peppard, Nigel Green, Guy Stockwell

Positioned at September 1942 within the North African campaign phase of the war, as part of the Operation Agreement. This is entry 77 of 150 in the chronological archive.

• commando raid
• Tobruk
• North Africa
• sabotage
• fuel depot

• 

  The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel

  1942–October 1944

• 

  Sahara

  June 1942

• 

  The Big Red One

  1942–1945

• 

  The Desert Rats

  April–December 1941

• 

  Five Graves to Cairo

  Summer 1942

• 

  El Alamein: The Line of Fire

  October 23 – November 4, 1942