Rommel attacked the Gazala Line on 27 May, swinging round the two southern boxes. 2nd Armoured Bde, positioned behind the line, moved south and then attacked the German flank from the east, delivering some sharp blows. Over the following days it was involved in fierce tank battles in what became known as the Battle of the Cauldron. On 2 June the "Luftwaffe" began intense air attacks on the southernmost box at Bir Hakeim, defended by 1st Free French Brigade. Here, D Trp of 43 (CoLY) Bty under Lt Beachman distinguished itself in the defence of the box, which held out against ground and air attacks until ordered to withdraw on 10 June.