Battle of the Kasserine Pass facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Kasserine Pass
Part of the Tunisia Campaign of World War II
Date 19–24, February 1943 Location Kasserine Pass, Tunisia Result Axis tactical victory
Belligerents
United States  United Kingdom  France	Germany  Italy
Commanders and leaders
Lloyd Fredendall Kenneth Anderson	Erwin Rommel
Strength
30,000	22,000
Casualties and losses
10,000 (including 6,500 Americans) 183 tanks	2,000 34 tanks

The Battle of the Kasserine Pass was a big fight during World War II. It happened in Tunisia, a country in North Africa. This battle took place from February 19 to February 24, 1943. It was the first major battle where American soldiers fought directly against German forces.

What Was the Battle of Kasserine Pass?

This battle was part of the larger Tunisia Campaign. The goal for the Allies (like the Americans and British) was to push the Axis forces (like Germans and Italians) out of North Africa. The Kasserine Pass is a mountain pass in the Atlas Mountains. It was an important place to control.

Who Fought in the Battle?

On one side were the Axis forces. These included soldiers from Germany and Italy. Their main commander was Erwin Rommel, a famous German general. His forces included the Afrika Korps and Italian armored units.

On the other side were the Allies. This group included soldiers from the U.S. Army and the British Army. The American forces were led by Lloyd Fredendall. The British forces were led by Kenneth Anderson.

Why Was This Battle Important?

The Battle of Kasserine Pass was the first major time American soldiers fought against German soldiers in World War II. The Americans were new to fighting such an experienced enemy. They were trying to reach Tunis quickly. This was to stop more Axis troops from coming to North Africa.

Challenges for the Americans

At first, the battle was very hard for the Americans. They lost many soldiers and were forced to retreat about 50 miles (80 km). This happened from their starting position at the Faid Pass. The German and Italian forces were well-organized and had a lot of experience.

Allied Reinforcements and Outcome

Soon, American and British backup arrived. These new troops helped to strengthen the Allied lines. Because of these reinforcements, General Rommel had to pull his forces back. He moved them to stronger defensive positions.

Lessons Learned from Kasserine Pass

This battle taught the American military many important lessons. It showed them they needed to improve their organization and training. Several American commanders were replaced after the battle. When the Americans and Rommel fought again later, the improvements in the American army were clear. This battle helped prepare the U.S. Army for future fights in North Africa.

Related pages

• Tunisia

Images for kids

• 

  Tunisia, January 30 – April 10, 1943

• 

  Battle of Kasserine Pass

• 

  An M3 Lee tank of U.S. 1st Armored Division advancing to support American forces during the battle at Kasserine Pass

• 

  U.S. troops taken prisoner during the battle march through a Tunisian village

• 

  British soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards establishing positions on difficult terrain at Thala, February 24, 1943

• 

  Italian Semovente assault guns

• 

  Rommel in Tunisia speaking with troops riding a captured American-built M3 half-track

See also

In Spanish: Batalla del paso de Kasserine para niños