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First Battle of El Alamein facts for kids

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The First Battle of El Alamein was a very important battle during World War II. It happened in El Alamein, Egypt, from July 1 to July 27, 1942. This battle was a key part of the Western Desert Campaign in North Africa.

The fight was between the Allied forces (like Britain and its friends) and the Axis forces (mainly Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy).

The Axis forces, led by German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel and his Afrika Korps, were trying to push further into Egypt. They were very close to important cities like Alexandria. The British Eighth Army, led by Field Marshal Claude Auchinleck, stopped their advance. This battle prevented the Axis from taking control of Egypt's ports and cities.

What Happened at El Alamein?

The battle took place in the desert of North Africa. The Axis forces had been very successful before this. They had pushed the Allies back across the desert. Their goal was to capture the Suez Canal in Egypt. This canal was vital for shipping supplies.

The Allies set up their defenses at El Alamein. This area was a good place to defend. It had the Mediterranean Sea on one side. On the other side were the Qattara Depression, a large area of soft sand that tanks could not cross. This meant the Axis could not go around the Allied defenses.

The Axis Attack Begins

On July 1, 1942, Rommel's forces attacked. They tried to break through the Allied lines. The German and Italian tanks moved forward. But the Allied defenses were strong. The British, Australian, New Zealand, Indian, and South African troops fought bravely.

The Allies had many anti-tank guns. These guns were very effective against the Axis tanks. The desert terrain also made it hard for the attackers.

Allied Counterattacks

The Allies did not just defend. They also launched their own attacks. They tried to push the Axis back. These counterattacks were often fierce. They caused heavy losses on both sides.

One important area was the Ruweisat Ridge. Both sides fought hard to control this ridge. It offered a good view of the battlefield.

Air Power in the Desert

Airplanes played a big role in the battle. Both sides used their air forces. They bombed enemy positions. They also attacked supply convoys. Controlling the skies was very important. It helped protect ground troops.

Why Was This Battle Important?

The First Battle of El Alamein was a turning point. It stopped the Axis advance in North Africa. Rommel's forces could not break through. This meant they could not reach the Suez Canal. They also could not get to the oil fields in the Middle East.

This battle showed that the Allies could stop the Axis. It gave the Allies confidence. It also bought them time to build up their forces. A few months later, the Second Battle of El Alamein would take place. That battle would completely push the Axis out of Egypt.

Images for kids

  • Advance of the Panzerjager-Abteilung 39-AC1942

    Afrika Korps tank hunters with an Sd.Kfz. 232 armoured car in front.

  • Italian anti-aircraft battery at Marsa Matrouh in the summer of 1942
    Italian anti-aircraft battery at Mersa Matrouh in June of 1942
  • Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-786-0327-19, Nordafrika, Erwin Rommel mit Offizieren

    Rommel in North Africa (June 1942).

  • 2-8 Field Regt

    25 pdr guns of the 2/8th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery at El Alamein, 12 July 1942.

  • Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-783-0110-12, Nordafrika, Panzer II, Kraftfahrzeuge

    A Panzer II of the Afrika Korps.

  • Rommel with his aides

    Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, with his aides during the desert campaign, 1942.

  • The British Army in North Africa 1942 E14235

    A soldier inspects an Italian M13/40 tank that was knocked out near El Alamein, 11 July 1942

  • The British Army in North Africa 1942 E14520

    A German 88mm anti-tank gun captured and destroyed by New Zealand troops near El Alamein, 17 July 1942.

  • The British Army in North Africa 1942 E14114

    A 25-pdr field gun of 11th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, in action, July 1942.

  • Destroyed Panzer IIIs near Tel el Eisa 1942

    Destroyed Panzer IIIs near Tel el Eisa

  • Valentine tank Mk3 desert

    A Valentine in North Africa, carrying British infantry

  • Italian high-water mark on road to Alex edited

    Commemorative stone put up by the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment on the road from Alexandria to El Alamein at the high-water mark for the Italian advance. The inscription reads: Mancò la fortuna, non-il valore (A lack of fortune, not of valour).

  • The British Army in North Africa 1942 E14621

    German and Italian prisoners captured during the advance on the Ruweisat Ridge, July 1942

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Primera batalla de El Alamein para niños

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