Battles of El-Alamein: Overview and Significance

Introduction

• The Battles of El-Alamein were a series of linked battles in World War II.
• Fought from July 1 to July 27, 1942, and October 23 to November 11, 1942.
• Took place in El-Alamein, Egypt.
• Pitted German and Italian forces against British, Australian, New Zealander, South African, and Indian forces.
• Resulted in a pivotal Allied victory, marking the beginning of the end for the Axis in North Africa.

Key Figures

• Erwin Rommel: Charismatic German Field Marshal, led Axis forces.
• Bernard Law Montgomery: British commander of the Eighth Army in North Africa.
• Claude Auchinleck: British commander before Montgomery.
• Adolf Hitler: Rejected initial retreat orders for Rommel.

First Battle of El-Alamein

• Occurred from July 1 to July 27, 1942.
• Rommel's forces were halted at El-Alamein, preventing Axis control over Egypt and the Suez Canal.
• British forces stopped Rommel's advance, resulting in a stalemate.
• Casualties: Allied losses: ~13,250, Axis: ~10,000.

Second Battle of El-Alamein

• Occurred from October 23 to November 11, 1942.
• Montgomery replaced Auchinleck and took command.
• Montgomery built a sizable army and planned a major offensive.
• The British outnumbered Rommel's forces in manpower and tanks.
• British forces had air superiority.
• Battle strategy involved a diversionary attack and a main attack in the north.

Course of the Battle

• Began with a barrage from over 800 guns on October 23-24.
• British infantry and tanks cleared paths through Axis minefields.
• Rommel mounted counterattacks but eventually signaled Hitler the battle was lost on November 2.
• By November 4, Axis forces were in full retreat.
• British victory was confirmed by Operation Torch on November 8.
• The victory was a significant morale booster for the Allies.

Casualties

• Axis losses: 9,000 dead, 15,000 wounded, and 30,000 captured of 110,000 troops.
• Allied losses: 4,800 dead, 9,000 wounded of 195,000 troops.

Significance

• The victory at El-Alamein was a turning point in World War II.
• Marked the beginning of Axis expulsion from North Africa.
• Boosted British morale and Montgomery became a national hero.
• Axis forces were squeezed by continued Allied pressure.