El Alamein

El Alamein, a insignificant railway station, became the scene of one of the most important battles of the Second World War. The battle was the first significant win for the Allies and signalled a turn around in both moral and success. The Allies then went on to win a battle that was going the way of the Axis forces (Italy and Germany). New Zealand played a significant role in the campaign eg....

Background

Commitments made by Italy's leader Mussolini years before El Alamein sent Italy and it's empire into a downward spiral of conflict and loss. Mussolini entered the war with Hitler in 1940. He went in based on the idea of more land for the Italian empire as well as Germany being the upcoming super-power in Europe. The invasion of Abyssinia by Italy with the unwanted intervention and sanctions from the League of Nations made Britain and France an enemy that Italy and Germany could share. This made an Alliance with Nazi Germany more reasonable for Mussolini. When Italy entered the war they not only went to war in their home country but also in Africa defending their colonies. The Alliance with Hitler angered many Italians who considered themselves to be closer to England and France than with Germany. Few supported the ideas behind Nazi Germany and this translated into Italian soldiers that didn't want to fight in Africa for Germany.

Hitler Supports

One of the main causes of the Battle of El Alamein was Hitler deciding to help Italy through a struggling Italian Africa campaign. Italy had the early advantage in Africa compared to the Allies. The invasion of Abyssinia in 1935 by Italy meant that 300,000 Italian troops were south in Abyssinia and Eritrea as well as 250,000 Italian troops in Libya as part of the Italian empire. This number dwarfed the 63,000 British troops that were protecting Egypt and Iraq in the area.

Italy also had 1700 planes in their air force in Africa while the Allies only had 370 planes that were anywhere near the Africa region. Italian forces did not fully utilise these advantages, Italy were still defeated by the Allies within North Africa and had lost all there colonies down south to the Allies. These defeats caused Hitler to give material support to the Italians. Hitler sent over more weapons, planes and troops help Italy in Libya. He and most importantly sent over a young but successful general named Erwin Rommel to lead the Axis forces.

A Great Axis Leader

A cause of the battles at El Alamein was Hitler bringing one of the most successful commanders of World War 2 to stop Italy from loosing in Africa. Rommel was one of the best generals in WW2. He had a reputation that even Churchill Admired. 

When Rommel arrived, Axis troops were on the border of Egypt and Libya. Rommel's goal was to sweep across North Africa and take the Suez Canel (See Map), cutting trade to the Allies, before taking the oil fields of the Middle East. To do this he would have to pass through El Alamein.

Rommel was known for his fast, surprising military techniques that stunned generals opposing him. Rommel was also able to inspire the Italian troops which didn't even believe in fighting for Axis. The increased morale with a new Germany leader for Axis troops combined better weapons, sent the Axis forces on a run of winning battles across North Africa. His plan of reaching the Suez Canel and the oil fields was now looking possible.

The first battle at El Alamain was initiated by Rommel/Axis forces due to his goal to reach the Suez Canel and the oil fields of the middle east. The Allies had to stop Rommel from reaching the main population

Rommel was stopped suddenly at El Alamein by General Bernard Montgomery, who was the new general in command for the Allies. This was the first battle of El Alamein. Montgomery, a virtually unknown general, was put in charge of the Allies in North Africa after Churchill was becoming increasing worried about a Rommel takeover of Suez Canel. The previous generals for the Allies had tried to break the Axis lines many times but ended up retreating or losing ground to Rommel's army. Most significantly, Operation Crusader, the last offensive launched by the Allies failed after English tanks failed to back up New Zealand divisions that had successfully taken valuable land. New Zealand suffered heavy casualties holding up the ground waiting for support and eventually had to retreat.

Montgomery sent out a new message to Allied troops. He told them they would not retreat past El Alamein and this was the final stand. They would either win here or die here. This strong leadership increased morale. Montgomery realised the biggest weakness of Rommel's campaign was the long distance they were from Germany/Italy. Their supplies had to come a long way. He ordered planes to bomb the supply trucks so he could starve Rommel's men and deprive them of fuel for their tanks.

Montgomery studied many of the battles led by Rommel in North Africa and discovered that one of the most unpredictable generals was actually predictable. He recognised the outflanking tactics Rommel used and so Montgomery positioned his own troops there to stop Rommel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Battle_of_El_Alamein

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 When Rommel's attack on El Alamein finally came they were ready and successfully defended themselves. Rommel had to retreat after Montgomery predicted his plan.

This small win was a huge boost in morale to the Allied troops who were probably beginning to think that Rommel was invincible. Rommel retreated back from El Alamein and Churchill ordered Montgomery to chase but he would not attack until he thought his troops were ready. Montgomery started planning a major offensive. 

Montgomery decided to take Rommel out once and for all and restore concentration to the western front for the Allies. This was the second Battle of El Alamein Rommel was retreating as his supply lines were being cut and he was running out of fuel and food due to the targeted attacks on his supply chain. The distance from Italy to El Alamein was many days away by truck. Rommel had to wait longer for supplies and the longer he waited the more time Montgomery would have to plan his attack. With such little fuel, Rommel could only defend his position and try holding his line. If he tried to attack he would not have enough fuel to retreat to safety so in order to hold his line he strategically placed anti-tank mines to stop Montgomery advancing. He also placed normal mines to deter humans from clearing the anti-tank mines. He placed the mines in a way that would funnel Montgomery’s tanks into an easy position to attack. The mines field was 8km thick.