Battle of El Alamein & Operation Torch Nikolas Jurista, Kevin Murphy, (-)Daniel Song, Martin Vega

Thesis—From Ls to Ws Having been challenged by the Axis Powers in Egypt, the Allied Forces launched a series of operations off the coast of North Africa in an attempt to retain jurisdiction over the Suez Canal and the resource-rich oil fields of the Arabian Peninsula. By surrounding the Axis via Operation Torch and the Battle of El Alamein, the Allies managed to both gain and withhold territory in Africa. In a change of pace, the Allies experienced their first victory in 11 months, marking a crucial point in the defeat of Nazi Germany.

Bernard Law “Monty” Montgomery, “The Ferret” “He was as quick as a ferret and about just as likeable,” hence his nickname . Allied (British) commander in El Alamein Eighth Army (1942) Previously defeated in Egypt Shot during World War I and was rewarded with the Distinguished Service Order award. Unusual for young officer Injury lead to his ideal of professionalism within the troops He was a major “teetotaler” Exercised caution in his leadership style Led to his promotion before WWII As commander, he was successful in turning the fate of the war Leading to his honor in England and the other Allied states (exception to USA) Contributed to almost all successful allied invasions

Erwin Rommel, “Desert Fox” Born in 1891-1944; Field Marshal in WWII Africa Early admirer of Hitler, although he becomes disenchanted after Hitler refuses to accept the logistics of a losing war. Known for his personal leadership, and his strong sense of the battle. Criticized for lacking logic and tactical thinking. Not true as he is aware of them at all times Death: Labeled an enemy of the state by Hitler Given the option of a treason trial (loss of honor and moral for the troops) or suicide which would be reported as a heart attack.

El Alamein (October 23 to November 2, 1942) Biggest battle in North African Campaign “The Desert Fox” vs “The Ferret” Huge tank battle where the Allies outnumbered the Axis two to one Britain overpowers the German forces and defeats them overwhelmingly Rommel was a military genius known for successful surprise attacks Did not direct the Panzer Units during the whole battle because he was on sick leave Replacement dies due to heart attack so when Rommel returns to battle Germany has no chance

Tanks M4 Sherman: M3 Lee:

https://youtu.be/dpUXR7HsYIM Operation Torch

The Arcadia Conference Conference in Washington D.C. (Winter of 1941 - 1942) Joseph Stalin puts pressure on the allies to open up a second front to take the stress off of the Russians in the east. The suggested plans: Bolero Plan: Supported by the Americans in particular Build up of troops in England, leading to an allied invasion of Europe in 1942 (Operation Sledgehammer) or 1943 (Operation Roundup) Operation Gymnast and Super-Gymnast: Supported by British Allied invasion of North Africa Approved by all nations America split with the war with Japan Name changed to Operation Torch

Map

The Initial Landings Amphibious landings started on November 8, 1942 The Coasts are defended by Vichy French Majority of initial fighting is Allied vs. French, with some German artillery and aircraft involved The Allies surprised the Allied sympathizers: The French worked secretly with the Allies Darlan, the former commander of the North African defense, clandestinely discussed plans with Robert Murphy (North African U.S. Diplomat) as well as the Allied military leadership : Intentions to assist in Allied plans never comes to fruition Petain (the French military commander, turncoat) relieves Darlan of his service in Africa Not on his own wishes Attempt to relieve the situation in France

Impact of Operation Torch Allowed for Allied occupation of North Africa Had power in Mediterranean, allowing them to attack Italy (soft underbelly) Kicked out Axis from area Truly changed their L’s to thick W’s, as well as hyping up the Allied countries First occasion of US involvement, a major turning point

Timeline 11/8/42 10/23/42 12/7/41 9/1/39 11/2/42 11/16/42 Allies successfully land at Casablanca, Oran, Algiers. Take Algiers later that day. _____________________ Start of Operation Torch 10/23/42 Montgomery launches offensive on Rommel _________________ Battle of El Alamein begins 12/7/41 Attack on Pearl Harbor _________________ Axis fail to get oil, US enters 9/1/39 War Begins 11/2/42 Battle of El Alamein ends with Allied victory 11/16/42 End of Operation Torch 11/18/41-12/30/41 Operation Crusader __________________________ Last Allied victory prior to El Alamein/Torch 11/17/42-5/13/43 Tunisian Campaign __________________________ Allies eject Axis from North Africa

Works Cited History.com Staff. “Battle of El Alamein.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-el-alamein. Accessed 24 Apr. 2017. “Operation Torch (Algeria-Morocco Campaign).” United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007303. Accessed 24 Apr. 2017. “Operation Torch: Allied Invasion of North Africa.” HistoryNet, HistoryNet, 12 June 2006, www.historynet.com/operation-torch-allied-invasion-of-north-africa.htm. Accessed 24 Apr. 2017. Trueman, C N. “The Battle of El Alamein.” History Learning Site, The History Learning Site, 19 May 2015, www.historylearningsite.co.uk/world-war-two/war-in-north-africa/the-battle-of-el-alamein/. Accessed 24 Apr. 2017. Trueman, C N. “Operation Torch.” History Learning Site, The History Learning Site, 19 May 2015, www.historylearningsite.co.uk/world-war-two/war-in-north-africa/operation-torch/. Accessed 24 Apr. 2017.