Overall situation, afternoon of 24 November 1941:

It was now more than ever essential to gain possession of the three vital ridges that overlooked the main German line of communications and dominated the southern approaches to Tobruk. The safety of Eighth Army supply lines depended very largely on the ability to gain and hold Sidi Rezegh and Ed Duda. Ammunition was running low; there remained only 60 rounds per gun for the 25-pounders, with no immediate prospect of more arriving. Moreover, some depot, preferably Tobruk, was urgently needed to receive our wounded and a considerable number of prisoners.