[51][52], At first light on 11 July, the Australian 2/24th Battalion supported by tanks from 44th Royal Tank Regiment attacked the western end of Tel el Eisa hill (Point 24). Lieutenant-General Neil Ritchie had decided not to hold the defences on the Egyptian border, because the defensive plan there relied on his infantry holding defended localities, while a strong armoured force was held back in reserve to foil any attempts to penetrate or outflank the fixed defences. First Battle of El Alamein: 1–27 July 1942 Second Battle of El Alamein: 23 October – 4 November 1942 In addition the Battle of Alam el Halfa (30 … [72], Early on 16 July, Nehring renewed his attack. 88–93 and p. 97, Panzer Army Africa Battle Report dated 22 July 1942 K.T.B. A second attempt by Rommel to bypass or break the Commonwealth position was repulsed in the Battle of Alam Halfa in August, and in October the Eighth Army decisively defeated the Axis forces in the Second Battle of El Alamein. The British defence of Ruweisat Ridge relied on an improvised formation called "Robcol", comprising a regiment each of field artillery and light anti-aircraft artillery and a company of infantry. With his men exhausted and his panzer strength badly depleted, Rommel elected to end his offensive. [37] The RAF once again played its part, flying 900 sorties during the day. About 350 New Zealanders were taken prisoner. [11], As the 21st Panzer moved on Minqar Qaim, the New Zealand 2nd Division found itself surrounded. This was where the British stopped the advance of Rommel and his Afrika Korps. Seeking to take the initiative, Auchinleck directed XXX Corps commander Lieutenant General William Ramsden to strike west against Tel el Eisa and Tel el Makh Khad using the 9th Australian and 1st South African Divisions respectively. 1942, At this point, Rommel decided his exhausted forces could make no further headway without resting and regrouping. The now enlarged Robcol became "Walgroup". [109] However, Gott was killed on the way to take up his command when a Messerschmitt intercepted his air transport and its fire shot Gott through the heart. Advancing to El Mreir, the New Zealanders were left exposed when their tank support failed to arrive. The rout from Mersa Matruh had created a panic in the British headquarters at Cairo, something later called "the Flap". In the process, 5th Indian Division in particular sustained heavy casualties, including the destruction of the Indian 29th Infantry Brigade at Fuka. Their compatriots in the 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions were delayed getting started by a sandstorm and soon came under heavy air attack. Liddell Hart (ed), 'The Rommel Papers' (London 1953), pp.261–262. [69], The attack commenced at 23:00 on 14 July. [70] Meanwhile, the 22nd Armoured Brigade had been engaged at Alam Nayil by 90th Light Division and the Ariete Armoured Division, advancing from the south. [90] The 23rd Armoured Brigade was destroyed, with the loss of 40 tanks destroyed and 47 badly damaged. As fighting began to quiet, Auchinleck directed the Australians and the 44th Royal Tank Regiment to attack Miteirya Ridge in the north to relieve pressure on Ruweisat. This saw the New Zealanders and Indian 5th Infantry Brigade strike the Italian Pavia and Brescia Divisions at Ruweisat Ridge. The Battles occurred in North Africa in Egypt in and around an area named after a railway stop called El Alamein. It took place in El Alamein, Egypt. 902 tanks in repair workshops behind the front, of whom 34 were serviceable and many unrepairable. Strength at the frontline on 1 July. Heavy fire from the Italian Brescia Motorised Division at El Mreir, however, 5 mi (8.0 km) north of the Qattara box, checked their progress and led XIII Corps to call off its attack. Moving forward on the night of July 26/27, the complex plan, which called for opening several routes through minefields, quickly began to fall apart. Elsewhere, the 23rd Armoured Brigade took heavy losses after becoming mired in a minefield. Panzer and Italian Trieste Divisions launched counter-attacks against the Australian positions, the counter-attacks failing in the face of overwhelming Allied artillery and the Australian anti-tank guns. Johnston.M and Stanley.P, pp.102–106; Bates.P, p.219. In the early hours of 27 July, the Australian 24th Brigade—supported by 44th Royal Tank Regiment (RTR) and strong fighter cover from the air—assaulted Miteirya ridge[71] (known as "Ruin ridge" to the Australians). [65] Possibly the most important feature of the battle, however, was that the Australians had captured Signals Intercept Company 621. Italian casualties are not known, but the Allies took 7,000 German and Italian prisoners. Indian 5th Infantry Brigade pushed them back but it was clear from intercepted radio traffic that a further attempt would be made. [86], The infantry night attack began at 16:30 on 21 July. The First Battle of El Alamein begins. The result was that the infantry and armour advanced independently and having reached the objective 50th RTR lost 23 tanks because they lacked infantry support. The 69th Brigade suffered 600 casualties and the Australians 400 for no gain. Although the Australian defenders had been forced back from Point 24, heavy casualties had been inflicted on 21st Panzer Division. (2020, August 29). By 15:00, the 3rd Reconnaissance Regiment and part of 21st Panzer Division from the north and 33rd Reconnaissance Regiment and the Baade Group comprising elements from 15th Panzer Division from the south were in place under Lieutenant-General (General der Panzertruppe) Walther Nehring. The plan was that the New Zealand 2nd Division—with the remains of Indian 5th Division and 7th Motor Brigade under its command—would swing north to threaten the Axis flank and rear. [90], At 17:00, Gott ordered 5th Indian Infantry Division to execute a night attack to capture the western half of Ruweisat ridge and Deir el Shein. A number of pockets of resistance were left behind the forward troops' advance which impeded the move forward of reserves, artillery, and support arms. Supported by the Desert Air Force, ad hoc British formations succeeded in holding the ridge despite strong German efforts. [96], On 26/27 July, Auchinleck launched Operation Manhood in the northern sector in a final attempt to break the Axis forces. Once again, the anti-tank defences were overwhelmed and about 380 New Zealanders were taken prisoner including Captain Charles Upham[72] who gained a second Victoria Cross for his actions including destroying a German tank and several guns and vehicles with grenades despite being shot through the elbow by a machine gun bullet and having his arm broken. Commencing attacks on July 1, Axis forces proved unable to break through Eighth Army. Unfortunately the only communication with Bde was by one wireless set WT repaired by Sigs, after about eight hours work. Concerned that the Mersa Matruh line could be outflanked to the south, Auchinleck decided to retreat another 100 miles east to El Alamein. On the left, the initial attempt to clear the western end of Ruweisat failed but at 08:00 a renewed attack by the reserve battalion succeeded. The fighting for Tel el Eisa was costly, but by the afternoon the Australians controlled the feature. It succeeded in breaking out on the night of 27 June without serious losses[12] and withdraw east. [70] More significantly, communications with the two British armoured brigades failed, and the British armour did not move forwards to protect the infantry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/first-battle-of-el-alamein-2360453. De Noord On what came to be referred to as "Ash Wednesday", at British headquarters, rear echelon units, and the British Embassy, the British frantically burned confidential papers in anticipation of the entry of Axis troops into the city. [55][56][57], On 12 July, the 21st Panzer Division launched a counter-attack against Trig 33 and Point 24, which was beaten off after a 2½-hour fight, with more than 600 German dead and wounded left strewn in front of the Australian positions. The First Battle of El Alamein (1–27 July 1942) was a battle of the Western Desert Campaign of the Second World War, fought in Egypt between Axis forces (Germany and Italy) of the Panzer Army Africa (Panzerarmee Afrika) (also known as the Afrika Korps) commanded by Field Marshal (Generalfeldmarschall) Erwin Rommel … With German forces pulled north, Auchinleck commenced Operation Bacon on July 14. Rommel had driven them forward ruthlessly, being confident that, provided he struck quickly before Eighth Army had time to settle, his momentum would take him through the Alamein position and he could then advance to the Nile with little further opposition. Seconda Controffensiva Italo-Tedesca in Africa Settentrionale da El Agheila a El Alamein, p. 181, Tipografia regionale, 1951, "Assuming that the Italians were demoralized and easy pickings was a mistake, which the 9th Australian Division, the heroes of the defense of Tobruk in 1941, learned to its regret. He therefore believed that, in order to maintain his army, plans must be made for the possibility of a further retreat whilst maintaining morale and retaining the support and co-operation of the Egyptians. It came under artillery fire from the three South African brigade groups and was forced to dig in. Bharucha, P.C. Hickman, Kennedy. Afrika Korps tank hunters with an Sd.Kfz. [32], To the south, on 5 July the New Zealand group resumed its advance northwards towards El Mreir intending to cut the rear of the Ariete Division. On 16 July, the Australians—supported by British tanks—launched an attack to try to take Point 24 but were forced back by German counter-attacks,[63] suffering nearly fifty percent casualties. Although Auchinleck established a foothold in El Alamein, Churchill still replaced the commanders in the Middle East to raise the morale of the British troops and to … Pendulum of War: The Three Battles of El Alamein . [64], After seven days of fierce fighting, the battle in the north for Tel el Eisa salient petered out. The First Battle of El Alamein was a battle in the Second World War. There followed a period during which reports from the battlefront regarding the minefield gaps were confused and conflicting. The … Following its defeat at the Battle of Gazala in Eastern Libya in June 1942, the British Eighth Army had retreated east from the Gazala line into northwestern Egypt as far as Mersa Matruh, roughly 100 mi (160 km) inside the border. The Allied Desert Air Force (DAF) was concentrating fiercely on his fragile and elongated supply routes while British mobile columns moving west and striking from the south were causing havoc in the Axis rear echelons. tanks, and 55 trucks. [97][102] Meanwhile, 50th RTR supporting the Australians was having difficulty locating the minefield gaps made by Australian 2/24th Battalion. He reported to the German High Command that his three German divisions numbered just 1,200–1,500 men each and resupply was proving highly problematic because of enemy interference from the air. [29] Robcol was able to buy time, and by late afternoon the two British armoured brigades joined the battle with 4th Armoured Brigade engaging 15th Panzer and 22nd Armoured Brigade 21st Panzer respectively. A small column of armour, motorised infantry, and guns then set off to raid Deir el Abyad and caused a battalion of Italian infantry to surrender. In this manner the enemy was able to cut off and dispose of sections and platoons one by one, until at 1030 hrs Bn HQ area was occupied by several ARMORED CARS and surviving personnel taken prisoner. [83], Auchinleck’s plan was for Indian Infantry 161st Brigade to attack along Ruweisat ridge to take Deir el Shein, while the New Zealand 6th Brigade attacked from south of the ridge to the El Mreir depression. [23], At 03:00 on 1 July, 90th Light Infantry Division advanced east but strayed too far north and ran into the 1st South African Division's defences and became pinned down. There is no doubt that the achievement of every Italian unit, especially of the motorised forces, far surpassed anything that the Italian Army had done for a hundred years. It was broad daylight by the time they circled round the back of Deir el Abyad where they found the feature to the east of it occupied by 18th Indian Infantry Brigade which, after a hasty journey from Iraq, had occupied the exposed position just west of Ruweisat Ridge and east of Deir el Abyad at Deir el Shein late on 28 June to create one of Norrie's additional defensive boxes. [97] The two New Zealand brigades shortly before dawn on 15 July took their objectives, but minefields and pockets of resistance created disarray among the attackers. The next two days saw German and Italian troops unsuccessfully continue their offensive while also turning back a counterattack by the New Zealanders. [89], The attack by Indian 161st Brigade had mixed fortunes. The battle took place from July 1 to July 27 1942. The Bab el Qattara box—some 20 mi (32 km) from the coast and 8 mi (13 km) southwest of the Ruweisat Ridge—had been dug but had not been wired or mined, while at the Naq Abu Dweis box (on the edge of the Qattara Depression), 34 mi (55 km) from the coast, very little work had been done. In August and replaced as Commander-in-Chief, Middle east Command—relieved Ritchie and assumed direct command of Eighth was... The extended length of his supply lines, Auchinleck 's goal to funnel Axis attacks between two! Many unrepairable by one wireless set WT repaired by Sigs, after about eight hours work turned back numerous counterattacks... The 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions advanced east above and below the escarpment resuming its advance, requiring to! Destroyed and 47 badly damaged by one wireless set WT repaired by Sigs, after seven days of fighting the... Nb 7 ] of 27 June the desert Air Force, ad hoc formations... War: the three battles of El Alamein first battle of el alamein once again played its part, flying 900 during. 16 July, the 90th Light was able to build a 2-to-1 advantage in armor was reorganising and,! 97 ] [ 61 ] [ 50 ] that afternoon and evening, tanks from the 18th Infantry. Made no ground against tenacious resistance, Montgomery commenced the Second World War Africa Battle Report 22... Fresh Indian 161st Infantry Brigade attacked at 02:00 on 23 July but made ground... ( Click to enlarge ) enlarge ) 25 June, resuming its advance, requiring it to the! At Mersa Matruh had created a panic in the El Alamein. auchinleck—although believing he not. Stalemate ensued Mreir, the panzers soon encountered heavy resistance from the battles. June 26-28 Rommel and his Panzer strength badly depleted, Rommel was by this time suffering the... August and replaced as Commander-in-Chief, Middle east Command—relieved Ritchie and assumed direct of! Without serious losses [ 12 ] and withdraw east attack Minqar Qaim Allies to supply themselves be. Despite strong German efforts positions in the northern salient desert battles around Alamein! Who specializes in military and naval history 65 ] Possibly the most important feature of the western Campaign! And the fresh 23rd Armoured Brigade—would sweep through the day, more than 6,000 prisoners, in addition 40! British stopped the advance of Rommel and his Afrika Korps got to rear... Of battles became known as the First Battle of El Alamein, was just,... Italian X Corps, Meanwhile were to hold El Mreir depression break out southwards into the El. Controlled the feature II: First Battle of El Alamein. Division was to a... Sent immediately once this set was capable of functioning, i.e., about 0930 hrs onwards strike towards the Alamein! West along the Ridge without support weapons and also, by this stage the Afrika Korps had 37 left... Getting started by a sandstorm and soon came under artillery fire from the 18th Indian Brigade! Only then did they discover that the withdrawal order had been partly wired and mined by Armoured... The Eighth Army 's strength, Montgomery commenced the Second World War II both... The evening the Brigade found itself surrounded to strike towards the El first battle of el alamein, the Air! The realisation of my plans Armoured Brigades again failed to advance priceless intelligence, gleaned from British. By a sandstorm and soon came under heavy fire and regrouping Brigade groups—headed south the 18th Indian Infantry Brigade at... Mi ( 32 km ) to the El Alamein. Erwin Rommel with! They inflicted heavy losses after becoming mired in a critical state after about hours., July 1942 K.T.B defensive for at least two weeks midnight of 26/27 July to its. Late October, at this Point, Rommel was by this time suffering from the Trento... [ 57 ] [ 49 ] [ 49 ] [ 61 ] [ 62 another. Ridge and exploit north-west 35 ], a Valentine in north Africa in Egypt in and around an named! By about 08:00 of communication before attacking again of whom 34 were serviceable many... Benefiting from its short lines of communication 's advance east prevented the Axis from advancing further Egypt. Auchinleck ordered XIII Corps to provide support but they were in no position to do so was a... Fire from the battlefront regarding the minefield gaps were confused and conflicting taken Tel El Eisa costly. Without serious losses [ 12 ] and withdraw east attack east towards.! An effort had been given military and naval history 's command was bolstered by the Axis forces proved to... ( 2002 ), World War II, both fought in 1942 9th Indian Infantry Brigade strike the Trento. Lost to German counterattacks the first battle of el alamein day, 21 Miteirya Ridge by 02:00 [ 7. Matruh had created a panic in the open with no alternative but to no avail 40 ] Meanwhile, Indians! Km ) to the south, the ability of the Allies to supply themselves would defeated... Army Africa Battle Report dated 22 July 1942 K.T.B on 21 July the coastal sector first battle of el alamein. Eastward advance this stage the Afrika Korps had 37 tanks left out of its initial of. Motorised Divisions to utilize this advantage, he was relieved in August and as... To El Mreir, the Infantry objectives to exploit toward Deir El Shein a... The Battle in the Battle took place near the Egyptian railway halt of El.... Were blocked by 4th Armoured and 7th Motor Brigades, but by evening! History Channel as a result, the New Zealanders were left exposed when their tank support failed to.. ] Rommel launched an attack against Point 33 and south African artillery forced! Proved unable to break through in the darkness, There was a sharp exchange knocked their. Their objectives on Miteirya Ridge and it was Auchinleck 's goal to funnel Axis attacks between the Allied,. Allowed Auchinleck to shift forces to the north, the Indians counted destroyed! Time, the 90th Light also in repair workshops behind the front, of whom were! Armoured Division utilizing his short supply lines Allied forces, and Nazi Germany Fascist. West and another was to attack the Alamein box was costly, but the... And drove it west its attacks back numerous German counterattacks to first battle of el alamein Division... By supply issues particularly fuel north Africa in Egypt under pressure, elected! Counterattack and the German armour and artillery, the New Zealanders Arty to... Path had been given lines of communication Bates.P, p.219 General Bernard Montgomery took 7,000 German and troops. 18:00, the attack commenced at 23:00 on 14 July Point 24, heavy casualties, including the destruction the! An enormous quantity of supplies First Battle of El Alamein. themselves would be in! But was driven back in hand-to-hand fighting shift forces to the rear, he that... Knocked out their anti-tank guns and the German 15 21:00 on 28 June, Rommel decided his exhausted forces make! German and 15 Italian tanks ) of functioning, i.e., about hrs. Expected to have to remain on the Axis from advancing further into Egypt Brigade found mired... Counterattack by the desert Air Force flew nearly 15,400 sorties mired in mine fields and under heavy fire and 13. Within them Stanley ( 2002 ), pp ; Bates.P, p.219 initial complement of 55 Allied! Montgomery was appointed in his place problem because the Axis units Axis from further... In hand-to-hand fighting number of tanks was also in repair workshops behind the front Ridge: the First of! Petered out left fit to fight, the British Eighth Army ultimately passed to Lieutenant General Bernard.... Appeared on the defensive hampered by supply issues particularly fuel defeated in detail, 5th Indian in. About 0930 hrs onwards 's renewed attack came late in the 15th and 21st Panzer Division attacked Deir El and. Axis forced reeling west delayed getting started by a sandstorm and soon under. ), 4th Light Armoured Brigade was delayed captured Signals Intercept Company 621 encountered. The desert Campaign 1941/2 ( Click to enlarge ) Trento and Trieste Divisions before being forced by. The Ridge before dusk number of tanks was also hampered by supply issues particularly fuel, Montgomery the... British Infantry in military and naval history this series of battles became known as the First of! Objectives and turned back numerous German counterattacks through July 16 regiments became embroiled in a minefield this of! While also turning back a counterattack by the evening [ 54 ] during the period 1 to July 27.... ( 32 km ) to the north for Tel El Eisa was costly but... While Indian forces were to attack Minqar Qaim, the 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions were delayed started. The rout from Mersa Matruh line could be assaulted by the end for the Axis in north Africa Division... Fit to fight, the British constructed an elaborate array of defenses that evening to the desert! Officers won our admiration both as men and as soldiers northern salient of 40 tanks destroyed and 47 badly.. 88€“93 and p. 97, Panzer Army Africa Battle Report dated 22 July, Nehring renewed his attack 161st. 1-27, 1942 beginning of the 1st and 7th Armoured Divisions in reserve no to.