World War Battles - North Africa

Operation Compass was the first major campaign of the war in the Western Desert. Beginning in December 1940, British troops pushed the Italians out of Egypt and drove them back across Libya. Relying on superior mobility, the British troops in Operation Compass were able to encircle and destroy the Italian Tenth Army.

The Battle of Gazala was fought May 26 to June 21, 1942 during the Western Desert Campaign of World War II. Attacking, Panzer Army Afrika engaged British and Free French forces along the Gazala Line. Breaking the Allied position, Gen. Erwin Rommel drove them back into Egypt.

The Battle of Alam Halfa occurred August 30-September 5, 1942, and saw British forces defeat an Axis assault in the Western Desert. Taking command of the Eighth Army, Gen. Bernard Montgomery established a strong defensive position and invited Field Marshal Erwin Rommel to attack. Moving forward, Rommel's assault was halted at Alam Halfa Ridge, ending Axis offensive efforts in the area.

The Second Battle of El Alamein was the turning point of the Western Desert Campaign during World War II. Fought in northwestern Egypt from October 23-November 5, 1942, Second El Alamein saw British forces under Lt. Gen. Bernard Montgomery attack and break through Axis positions. As a result, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel was forced to retreat across North Africa.

Operation Torch was launched November 8, 1942, and saw British and American forces land in North Africa. During Operation Torch, troops came ashore at Casablanca, Oran, and Algiers. Meeting mixed resistance from the Vichy French, the Torch landings saw the Allies establish a position in western North Africa.

The Battle of Kasserine Pass was the first major clash between American and German forces during World War II. Fought February 19-25, 1943, the Battle of Kasserine Pass saw the Germans soundly defeat US troops under Maj. Gen. Lloyd Fredenhall. The defeat at Kasserine Pass led to sweeping changes in the US organization of forces and comjmand...