Today in World War II History—Nov. 23, 1942

Recruiting poster for the SPARs, the US Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, WWII

75 Years Ago—Nov. 23, 1942: British under Montgomery drive Germans back to defenses at El Agheila, Libya.

Dakar, Senegal comes under Allied control after French governor abandons Vichy ties.

Off mouth of Amazon, U-172 sinks British freighter Benlomond; the sole survivor, Chief Steward Poon Lim, begins a 133-day ordeal in a lifeboat.

US Coast Guard Women’s Reserve is established, the SPARs (“Semper paratus—always ready”)