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http://www.onwar.com/chrono/1942/oct42/f23oct42.htm
British attacking at El Alamein
Friday, October 23, 1942 www.onwar.com
Knocked out Panzer III provides cover for British infantry In North Africa [photo at link]
... The Battle of El Alamein. The British go on the offensive. General Montgomery’s attack begins before midnight. Planning for the battle has been detailed and training of the troops precise. An elaborate and extensive artillery campaign has been worked out and deceptive measures have been taken to confuse the enemy as to the timing and locations of the attack. Montgomery’s plan is to have the infantry of British 30th Corps push through the minefields and enemy infantry positions with British 10th Corps, with two armored divisions, to move through and hold off any counter attacks while the infantry clears and widens the gap. The final phase calls for the German armor to be engaged and destroyed in the open. The British have a numerical superiority in tanks of 2 to 1 in guns, tanks and men. They also dominate the air. The Germans and Italian units are short of supplies. They are so short of fuel that the armored group has been split into 2 groups to enable motorized units to reach battle sites. The German and Italian units have also been interspersed so that a consistent strength front is presented to the British. The attack begins falling on the German 164th Division and the Italian Trento Division, support by the Italian Littorio and German 15th Panzer Divisions. British diversionary attacks in the south keep the 21st Panzer in its position for the time being. British forces make progress but do not make their time table to push their armor through the minefield. General Stumme, commander in Rommel’s medical absence dies of a heart attack while visiting the front lines. In the confusion following his death, German responses to the attack are slowed.
In Algeria... In preparation for Operation Torch, British General Clark lands in Algeria for discussion with French General Mast and Robert Murphy, an American diplomat. Murphy has been conducting the negotiations with the French leaders in Morocco and Algeria concerning the coming invasion. French Generals Mast and Bethouart, Chiefs of Staff at Algiers and Casablanca have given their support. However, support of the Allies is less prevalent with the more senior French officials and soldiers. It is nonexistent with the Navy, who have not forgiven the British for the bombings of French ships at Mers-el-Kebir and Dakar. The purpose of this particular meeting is to ensure the cooperation of General Mast with the allied effort and to gain his acceptance of French General Giraud as the French leader. Mast agrees.
In Burma... Much of the British force has advanced to Cox’s Bazaar and their forward units have reached Buthidaung. They engage the Japanese who have retreated from Akyab. After a brief engagement the Japanese hold the position.
To which President Roosevelt was heard to comment:
;-)
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