North African Campaign Facts for Kids

Australian troops advance towards an Italian position in north Africa, 1941

The North African Campaign was a very important part of the Second World War. It happened in North Africa from June 10, 1940, to May 13, 1943. This campaign included battles in the deserts of Libya and Egypt, which was called the Desert War. It also involved fighting in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

A British tank retreats before the fall of a north African position

The fighting in North Africa was like a back-and-forth struggle. Both sides tried to control Libya and parts of Egypt. A very important event was the Siege of Tobruk in 1941. This was a long battle for the city of Tobruk.

Later, at the Second Battle of El Alamein, the British Commonwealth forces won a huge victory. They were led by Lieutenant general Bernard Montgomery. They completely defeated the German Afrika Korps and other Axis forces. The Axis forces were then pushed back all the way to Tunisia.

In late 1942, the Allied forces landed in North-West Africa. This was part of a plan called Operation Torch. Their goal was to trap the remaining enemy soldiers. They fought against Vichy France forces first, who then changed sides to join the Allies. The Allies faced a tough defeat at the Battle of the Kasserine Pass. But later, they defeated the Axis forces in southern Tunisia. Finally, they surrounded the remaining Italian and German troops in northern Tunisia. These troops were forced to surrender.

After the city of Tunis fell, the last Axis troops surrendered on May 13, 1943. These were Italian soldiers led by General Messe. They surrendered in the Cape Bon peninsula in northern Tunisia.

Key Battles and Events
Why Was North Africa Important?
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Key Battles and Events

The Desert War Begins

The North African Campaign started in the deserts. Italy, led by Benito Mussolini, wanted to expand its empire. They attacked British forces in Egypt. The British and Commonwealth forces fought back. They pushed the Italian army far into Libya.

Germany Joins the Fight

When Italy struggled, Germany sent help. They sent a special force called the Afrika Korps. This group was led by the famous General Erwin Rommel. Rommel was known as the "Desert Fox" because he was very clever. The fighting became very intense. Both sides moved back and forth across the desert.

The Siege of Tobruk

The Siege of Tobruk was a long and difficult battle. Allied soldiers, including many Australians, defended the port city of Tobruk. They were surrounded by Axis forces for many months. Holding Tobruk was important because it was a key port. It helped the Allies get supplies.

The Turning Point at El Alamein

The Second Battle of El Alamein in Egypt was a major turning point. British Commonwealth forces, led by General Bernard Montgomery, launched a big attack. They broke through the Axis lines. This victory was a huge boost for the Allies. It forced the Axis forces to retreat across North Africa.

Operation Torch Landings

While the fighting continued in the east, the Allies opened a new front. In November 1942, American and British troops landed in Morocco and Algeria. This was called Operation Torch. Their goal was to trap the Axis forces from two sides. They fought against French forces loyal to the Vichy government at first. These French forces soon joined the Allies.

The Tunisia Campaign

The final part of the campaign took place in Tunisia. The Axis forces were now trapped between the Allied armies. The Allies faced a setback at the Battle of the Kasserine Pass. However, they regrouped and pushed forward. They eventually surrounded the remaining German and Italian troops. On May 13, 1943, the last Axis forces surrendered. This ended the North African Campaign.

Why Was North Africa Important?

Controlling North Africa was very important for both sides. For the Allies, it protected the Suez Canal. This canal was a vital shipping route to Asia. It also allowed them to launch attacks into southern Europe. For the Axis, it was a way to get resources and control the Mediterranean Sea. The Allied victory in North Africa was a big step towards winning World War II.

Battle of the Kasserine Pass

Images for kids

A British Matilda Mk II tank named "Glenorchy" captured an Italian flag in 1941.
The Italian Empire in November 1942.
Czechoslovak 11th Infantry Battalion defending Tobruk.
Men of the 4th Indian Division with a captured German flag.
Erwin Rommel with Italian governor of Libya, General Italo Gariboldi, in Tripoli, 1941.
New Zealand members of the Long Range Desert Group pausing for tea in the Western Desert, 1941.
British Crusader tanks moving forward during Operation Crusader, 1941.
British colonial troops captured by Italian and German forces in 1941.
American troops on board a Landing Craft Assault heading into Oran, 1942.
Tiger 712 of the 501st Heavy Panzer Battalion.
A German Signals reception unit in the desert.
An Italian M13/40 tank belonging to the Ariete Armoured Division.
Colossus Mark II computer at Bletchley Park.
Wehrmacht fuel barrel in Tunisia, 2010.