Battle of El Alamein
The Battle of El Alamein, fought in North Africa during World War II, was a significant confrontation between Allied and Axis forces. Beginning on October 23, 1942, the battle was initiated by British General Bernard Law Montgomery, who led a meticulously planned assault involving three armored and seven infantry divisions. The British forces utilized artillery bombardments to target German positions, preventing their commander, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, from reinforcing his troops effectively. The battle included intense fighting, and by November 2, the Allies achieved a breakthrough, leading to the capture or destruction of a substantial number of German and Italian troops. The victory at El Alamein marked a turning point in the North African campaign, resulting in the expulsion of Axis forces from the continent. This success not only bolstered Allied morale but also established a strategic base for future operations against Axis powers in Italy. The battle is often regarded as a pivotal moment in the broader context of World War II, showcasing the importance of tactical planning and execution in military engagements.
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Battle of El Alamein
Type of action: Ground battle in World War II
Date: October 23-November 4, 1942
Location: Egypt
Combatants: 230,000 British vs. 80,000 Germans and Italians
Principal commanders:British, General Bernard Law Montgomery (1887–1976); German, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel (1891–1944)
Result: The eviction of German forces from Egypt and their pursuit by the British into Libya
General Bernard Law Montgomery built up a force of three armored and seven infantry divisions, many of which were concealed by imaginative camouflage and deception measures. After these careful preparations, the British attack began on October 23, 1942, with a heavy artillery bombardment, directed first at German batteries and then at the infantry. The British armor and infantry attacked on a front of four divisions, preventing the Germans, under the command of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, from reinforcing from other sectors by means of raids and feints. After several days of heavy fighting, the key German position on Kidney Ridge fell. After two heavy German counterattacks were driven back on November 2, a breakthrough was achieved, and the British began a pursuit of the Germans across the open desert. Four German and eight Italian divisions were destroyed or captured, and after a long pursuit across Libya, most of the survivors were rounded up by the British.
Significance
The German defeat at El Alamein resulted in the expulsion of Axis power from Africa, giving the Allies a secure base from which to attack Italy across the Mediterranean.
Bibliography
Bates, Peter. Dance of War: The Story of the Battle of Egypt. London: L. Cooper, 1992.
Desert Victory. Documentary. Twentieth Century Fox Film, 1943.
Lucas, James. Tobruk and El Alamein. Canberra: Australian War Memorial, 1966.
‗‗‗‗‗‗‗. War in the Desert: The Eighth Army at El Alamein. New York: Beaufort Books, 1982.
The War in Europe. The War Chronicles: World War II series. Documentary. A&E Home Video, 1983.