 The 7th Armoured Division was ordered on 4 February to intercept the remnants of the 10th Army, by moving inland from Mechili to Msus, to cut off the Italians between Soluch and Ghemines.All British aircraft were to support the move and protect lorries carrying a days' supplies just behind the tanks and a big convoy with two days' supplies a short distance further back but DAF ground attacks had been stopped on 3 February due to an engine shortage.Even if all the supplies arrived no more could be delivered for several days, which meant that a battle had to be won in three days or fail through lack of fuel, water and ammunition.