9 Key Battles of the North African Campaign in WWII

Key facts

• The North African Campaign was fought between Allied and Axis forces in the deserts of North Africa during WWII.
• The Battle of Sidi Barrani in December 1940 was the opening battle of Operation Compass, resulting in the surrender of 38,300 Italian troops.
• The Battle of Beda Fomm in February 1941 led to the capture of 25,000 Italian soldiers and 107 tanks, prompting German intervention.
• The Siege of Tobruk lasted from April to November 1941, with Australian defenders known as 'The Rats of Tobruk' holding out against Rommel's forces.
• The Battle of Gazala in May–June 1942 was a major Axis victory, with Rommel's flanking attack causing heavy Allied casualties and leading to the capture of Tobruk.
• The Second Battle of El Alamein in October–November 1942 was a decisive Allied victory, featuring Operation Supercharge and the destruction of over 100 Axis tanks.
• Operation Torch in November 1942 involved 107,000 Allied troops landing in Algeria and Morocco, facing resistance from Vichy France.
• Operation Strike in May 1943 captured Tunis, ending the Axis presence in North Africa.