“Given equal leadership, equal training, equal supply conditions and air force, the primary decisive factors in desert warfare are the number and manoeuvrability of the tanks and the range of their guns;

after that comes the number of field-guns and their range; and then, finally, the number of anti-tank guns, their range and calibre.

If either side is inferior in these arms, the quality of their troops and command must make up for the disadvantage.

But there is no compensating for the lack of an air force or for shortage of supplies.” (Rommel, 1953, p.186)

Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel (the Desert Fox), World War I junior officer and World War II General, considered a brilliant military commander; adored by his troops and feared by his enemies.

Reference

Rommel, E., Liddel Hart, B.H. (ed) & Findlay, P. (trans) (1953) The Rommel Papers. St James’s Palace, London: Collins.