Battle of the Litani River facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Litani River
Part of the Syria-Lebanon Campaign of World War II
Australian forces bridging the Litani River near Marjayoun
Date 9 June 1941 Location French Lebanon Result Allied victory
Belligerents
Australia  United Kingdom	Vichy France French Lebanon
Commanders and leaders
John Lavarack Geoffrey Keyes

The Battle of the Litani River happened on June 9, 1941. It was an important fight during World War II. This battle was part of the Syria-Lebanon campaign, where Allied forces moved towards Beirut. Australian soldiers from the Australian 7th Division, led by Major-General John Lavarack, crossed the Litani River. They then fought against French troops loyal to the Vichy French government.

What Happened at the Litani River?

Allied Forces Cross the Border

On June 8, 1941, Australian soldiers entered southern Lebanon. They came from northern Palestine. This was part of a bigger plan called Operation Exporter. The first French resistance south of the Litani River was not very strong. Their defenses were spread out and a bit disorganized.

Fighting for the Bridge

The 21st Australian Brigade moved along the coast road. Their goal was to reach Beirut. They tried to cross the Litani River. British commandos from No. 11 (Scottish) Commando tried a surprise night landing. They wanted to capture the bridge near the river's mouth.

However, rough seas delayed their landing. This gave the French defenders time to destroy the bridge. When the commandos finally landed during the day, the French were already fighting the Australians. The commandos faced heavy losses. Their leader, Lieutenant Colonel R.L. Pedder, was killed.

Securing the Crossing

After Pedder's death, Geoffrey Keyes took command. His group managed to cross the river using canvas boats. Some Australian soldiers helped them. This secured the crossing point.

The Vichy French tried a counterattack with armored cars. But the Allies pushed them back. A pontoon bridge (a temporary bridge made of floating sections) was quickly built.

French warships, the Guépard and the Valmy, fired at the Australians. Their shots were not very accurate. Australian artillery had to fire back at the warships. This made the French ships move away from the shore.

After the Battle

Moving North Towards Tyre

After the fighting at the Litani River, the 21st Brigade kept moving north. They headed towards Tyre. This was part of the larger plan to capture Beirut. From Tyre, there were smaller battles. These fights were part of the push to capture Sidon. Sidon fell to the Allies on June 13.

Battles Inland

Further inland, to the right of the 21st Brigade, the 25th Brigade advanced. They moved towards Merdjayoun. They captured Merdjayoun temporarily on June 11. A small group from the 25th Brigade stayed to hold Merdjayoun. The rest of the brigade went north to capture Jezzine. Jezzine also fell on June 13.

However, on June 15, the French launched a strong counterattack on Merdjayoun. Heavy fighting continued there until June 27.