Axis capture of Tobruk Part of the Western Desert Campaign of the Second World War The road from Bardia to Tobruk on 21 June 1942 with British prisoners of war on the left, sunken ships in the harbour and smoke over the port. Date 17–21 June 1942 Location Tobruk, Libya 32°04′34″N 23°57′41″E﻿ / ﻿32.07611°N 23.96139°E﻿ / 32.07611; 23.96139 Result German–Italian victory Belligerents Germany Italy United Kingdom South Africa Commanders and leaders Ettore Bastico Erwin Rommel Neil Ritchie Hendrik Klopper Strength 96,000 troops (40,000 German, 56,000 Italian)[citation needed] 35,000 troops Casualties and losses <3,360 killed or wounded[1] 33,000 prisoners[1]