Page "First Battle of El Alamein" Paragraph 36

Seeing the Brescia and Pavia under pressure, Rommel rushed German troops to Ruweisat.

By 15: 00, the 3rd Reconnaissance Regiment and part of 21st Panzer Division from the north and 33rd Reconnaissance Regiment and the Baade Group comprising elements from 15th Panzer Division from the south were in place under Lieutenamnt-General ( General der Panzertruppe ) Walther Nehring.

At 17: 00, Nehring launched his counter attack.

4th New Zealand Brigade were still short of support weapons and also, by this time, ammunition.

Once again, the anti-tank defences were overwhelmed and about 380 New Zealanders were taken prisoner including Captain Charles Upham who gained a second Victoria Cross for his actions including destroying a German tank and several guns and vehicles with grenades despite being shot through the elbow by a machine gun bullet and having his arm broken.

At about 18: 00, the brigade HQ was overrun.

At about 18: 15, 2nd Armoured Brigade engaged the German armour and halted the Axis eastward advance.

At dusk, Nehring broke off the action.