Overview of the Battle
The First Battle of El Alamein was one of the most important battles in the North Africa campaign, and would serve as a prelude to the Second Battle of El Alamein, widely considered to be a major turning point in the war. The battle finally halted the Axis advance into North Africa at the coastal town of El Alamein in northern Egypt after months of defeat and the major loss of Tobruk, which was a huge blow against the Allies in the North African campaign.
Over the course of a month, the 8th Army under General Auchinleck battled against Field Marshall Rommel and his famous Afrika Korps, only ending when the German troops retreated until the second battle of El Alamein.
It was also one of New Zealand's most important battles in terms of involvement and the impact it had on the Division, as it included the action at Minqar Qaim, which was a heroic but controversial breakout from behind German lines by the New Zealand forces, with some accusing the Division of war crimes and others arguing they acted in self defence.
Over the course of a month, the 8th Army under General Auchinleck battled against Field Marshall Rommel and his famous Afrika Korps, only ending when the German troops retreated until the second battle of El Alamein.
It was also one of New Zealand's most important battles in terms of involvement and the impact it had on the Division, as it included the action at Minqar Qaim, which was a heroic but controversial breakout from behind German lines by the New Zealand forces, with some accusing the Division of war crimes and others arguing they acted in self defence.