 On arriving in North Africa , Horrocks ' corps was ordered to defend the Alam el Halfa ridge from an expected attack by the Afrika Korps . Concerned that heavy casualties would jeopardise his planned El Alamein offensive , Montgomery instructed Horrocks to repel Erwin Rommel 's forces " without getting unduly mauled in the process " . Horrocks prepared for a purely defensive battle , with his armour dug in around the ridge . When the Germans attacked on 30 August , they failed to lure the British tanks towards their 88mm guns — a tactic that had previously been used with great success — and found themselves battered by both artillery and the Desert Air Force . The battle ended with the Germans in control of <unk> hill , but at a high cost , and the Allied forces unwilling to try to re @-@ take it after a failed attack by the 2nd New Zealand Division . The army 's defensive success raised morale , and Horrocks was praised by his subordinate , Brigadier George Roberts , for his " wonderful knack of inspiring confidence and enthusiasm wherever he goes " . Montgomery , too , was pleased , saying " he deserves great credit for his action on that day " . 
