Editing Erwin Rommel (section)

===== Battle of Alam El Halfa =====
{{Main|Battle of Alam el Halfa}}
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-784-0249-04A, Nordafrika, Rommel im Befehlsfahrzeug "Greif".2.jpg|thumb|left|Rommel in a [[Sd.Kfz. 250]]/3]]

The [[Battle of Alam el Halfa]] was launched on 30 August. The terrain left Rommel with no choice but to follow a similar tactic as he had at previous battles: the bulk of the forces attempted to sweep around from the south while secondary attacks were launched on the remainder of the front. It took much longer than anticipated to get through the minefields in the southern sector, and the tanks got bogged down in unexpected patches of quicksand (Montgomery had arranged for Rommel to acquire a falsified map of the terrain).{{sfn|Hoffman|2004|p=48}}{{sfn|Douglas-Home|1973|p=165}} Under heavy fire from British artillery and aircraft, and in the face of well-prepared positions that Rommel could not hope to outflank for lack of fuel, the attack stalled. By 2 September, Rommel realised the battle was unwinnable, and decided to withdraw.{{sfn|Carver|1962|p=67}}

On the night of 3 September, the 2nd New Zealand Division and 7th Armoured Division positioned to the north engaged in an assault, but they were repelled in a fierce rearguard action by the 90th Light Division. Montgomery called off further action to preserve his strength and allow for further desert training for his forces.{{sfn|Carver|1962|p=70}} In the attack, Rommel had suffered 2,940 casualties and lost 50 tanks, a similar number of guns, and 400 lorries, vital for supplies and movement. The British losses, except tank losses of 68, were much less, further adding to the numerical inferiority of [[Panzer Army Africa]]. The Desert Air Force inflicted the highest proportions of damage on Rommel's forces. He now realised the war in Africa could not be won.{{sfn|Rommel|1982|p=286}} Physically exhausted and suffering from a liver infection and low blood pressure, Rommel flew home to Germany to recover his health.{{sfn|Butler|2015|p=372}}{{sfn|Hoffman|2004|p=50}} General [[Georg Stumme]] was left in command in Rommel's absence.{{sfn|Douglas-Home|1973|p=171}}