be horrendous, by November 2, Montgomery knows from Ultra decrypts that Rommel is in truly desperate shape. Montgomery also knew, via Ultra decrypts, that Rommel is begging Hitler’s permission to retreat. Hitler refuses, saying, “You can show your troops no other road than to victory or to death.” Rommel again requests permission to retreat. Not until November 4 do Hitler and Mussolini agree. This begins the downfall of Germany in Africa.
