Stützpunkt Nests

The objective of a Stützpunkt defence was to provide effective fire to wear down the enemy before launching a counterattack, usually with supporting armoured troops. A Stützpunkt position was organised in depth which meant the positions were able to hold and provide fire even when the enemy had pushed into it. The depth also allowed the fire to be poured on to the enemy’s flank if they broke through the position.

When the British attacked the Libya frontier during Operation Battleaxe they faced four Stützpunkt positions. The Stützpunkt positions did their job and blunted the British assaults around Halfaya Pass and the German panzers counterattacked.