Dust appears to have been a significant tactical factor in combat. Both intentionally, used as a ruse or camouflage, but also unintentionally, being just a fact of desert combat. A quote:
On 11 April the encirclement of the fortress of Tobruk was completed. The "Brescia" Division opened the attack. A great deal of sand was blowing and the British artillery could therefore not be expected to direct any aimed fire.
At about 1300 several enemy tanks moved past Ras el Madauer toward our lines. Because of the tremendous amount of dust, which moreover was being blown toward our positions, it could not be seen whether they were followed by any additional tanks and whether it was really a major attack. Therefore, I immediately committed all the antitank guns which were available in this area, It actually was a major attack and we succeeded in knocking out several tanks and halting the enemy advance.
Around 1800 on 30 April a new attack was opened against Ras el Madauer. Numerous Stukas cooperated with us. Soon the hill was hidden in thick clouds of smoke and dust. The visibility of the enemy was reduced to zero. It was impossible for them to deliver any aimed fire. Our attack led to a complete victory.
Source:
http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/...toppe.asp.html - Chapter 8 - but also try to just search for "dust".
Re: Dust
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