In June 1942 The Sharpshooters were involved in the Gazala battles, in which Rommel pushed the British army back to the Alamein Line. One squadron in each tank regiment was equipped with the newly-arrived American General Grant tank. Although these vehicles added welcome firepower, they were much taller and the main gun suffered from a limited traverse. Allan commanded the regiment’s Grants with great effect, and accounts recall his calm and decisive direction of his squadron's fire as the enemy attacked. But one squadron of Grants, even commanded by a Grant, could not save Tobruk.
Then at the end of August came Rommel's attempt to break through in the south at Alam el Halfa. Here both Sharpshooters regiments, including Allan's Grant tanks, played a decisive role in stemming the German advance, causing them to retreat. This battle was a turning point in the war, and from then onwards the Allied successes began.