Wars

  » 

World War II

  » 

El Alamein
Welcome Guest  —  34 members and 52 guests online
Message Boards Announcement
Dear History members:

In February, 2010, History boards will begin the process of upgrading our community message board software. We are moving to a new community software, KickApps, that will provide greater functionality and ease of use. This transition will take place during the last part of February; the last day that the current boards will be available to you will be Feb. 28, 2010.

We realize that many of you have posted great content over the years and might want to save your posts. Please take this time to go back through the boards and save what you want to keep on your own computer. These boards will no longer be accessible after February 28, 2010.

If you would like to ask a question about the new boards, click here: http://boards.history.com/forum/Message-Boards-User/108

There will be more details to come as we roll out the new community software. Thank you for your continued patronage. We'll see you on the new, improved boards!

Rebecca Cooper
AETN Community Manager

El Alamein

[Replies: 2]
Last Post Oct 4, 2006 6:37 AM by: Maine artillery
WarMonger
Posts: 1,995
From: CT and NC
Registered: 12/27/02
(1 of 3)

El Alamein

Oct 3, 2006 4:50 PM
Oct 23 – Nov 5, 1942; El Alamein was the first clear-cut British victory over the Germans (although the victory didn’t come easy).

The British were able to supply Ritchie then Monty who replaced him because they destroyed the Italian Navy and took control of the Mediterranean. Rommel’s Afrika Korps were in short supply of fuel and just about everything else throughout most of his North African Campaign. This was because most supplies went to the eastern front in Russia. They however had big supply problems there too and logistics were a nightmare. Hermann (just call me Mayor) Gorring failed to produce on his promises once again but that’s another story.

The British had 1200 tanks with plenty of oil and supplies. 11 divisions: 2 of which were armored and they were all at full strength.

The Germans had 600 tanks, some were outdated and they were all low on fuel. They had 15 divisions: 9 of Italian infantry, 2 Italian armor, 2 German infantry and 2 German armor, all of which were ill supplied and under strength.

The Brit’s opened the attack with a 1000-gun salute (artillery bombardment) followed by infantry on the coastal end of Desert Fox’s line. However the Germans held firm and repulsed the infantry. The British suffered heavy casualties for the next week. Then the Germans started losing tank battles and Rommel ordered a full retreat, but Hitler refused. He still ordered the retreat of what was left to salvage of his army. Monty however realized it was a fighting retreat and that there may be a trap so the remainder of axis troops got away to Tunesia.

El Alamein secured the western desert for the allies and set up for the invasion of Italy, starting with Sicily.

--
- - - -
"We have pushed the Rebels off our soil Mr. President".

"When will my Generals get it; that the whole county is our soil."
Redcoat
Posts: 2,445
From: Stockport UK
Registered: 2/11/03
(2 of 3)

Re: El Alamein

Oct 4, 2006 4:55 AM
While the battle in which Montgromery defeated Rommel, and drove him out of the desert is often called the Battle of El Alamein, its correct title is, The Second Battle of El Alamein.

In fact there were 3 battles in this position.

The first was during the 1st-27 July 1942 when the 8th Army under Auchinleck stopped the advancing Germans, and both sides settled into defensive positions, this is known as the First Battle Of El Alamein.

The second battle on the El Alamein position was the battle known as Alam Halfa ( the area of El Alamein which saw the most fighting) to the British, and to the Germans as, The Six Day Race . This was a clear-cut defensive victory for the British Commonwealth forces now under the command of Montgomery. This battle lasted from 31st August-6th September 1942.

The third battle took place on the Oct 23-Nov 5 1942. In which British Commonwealth forces broke through the strong defensive positions of the Axis forces, causing Rommel to retreat over 780 miles in twenty days, losing over half his army and almost all of his heavy equipment in the process.

--
Edited by Redcoat at 10/04/2006 5:07 AM
Maine artillery
Posts: 2,120
Registered: 9/7/04
(3 of 3)

Re: El Alamein

Oct 4, 2006 6:37 AM
Great Britain also received a large supply of weapons, ammunition, and supplies from the United States going into this battle.

From a logistics standpoint, one might point to this battle as the time the balance of power, started shifting from Great Britain to the United States.
advertisement
no image