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Osprey Campaign #158
El Alamein 1942: The Turning of the Tide
The battle of El Alamein marked the turning point in Britain's fortunes in the World War II (1939-1945). There were three separate battles between July and November 1942, all of which were fought to halt the advance of Rommel's army towards the Suez Canal. This final battle at El Alamein, fought in October and November, saw the continuous bombardment of the German line that Rommel was instructed to hold at all costs by Hitler himself. The Allies shattered the German defences, and Rommel led a westward retreat in order to salvage what was left of the Afrika Korps. This book provides an in-depth analysis of the battle that turned the tide in favour of the Allies in Africa.
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 16, 2022
Breve ma dettagliata descrizione della battaglia di El Alamein, se volete un testo che spieghi brevemente la battaglia dal punto di vista prettamente militare è il libro che fa per voi. Se volete però capire perché questa sia una delle battaglie più importanti della Seconda guerra mondiale e perché per gli italiani sia una battaglia così "sentita" allora puntate su altri titoli.
June 13, 2023
The DAK (Africa Korps) and their Italian allies were nearly invincible in Northern Africa until July 1942. Marshal Erwin Rommel overwhelmed the defensive lines of Gazala and Tobruk, forcing Auchinleck to retreat while managing to keep his army intact.
El-Alamein became the decisive battleground where the Commonwealth forces chose to make their stand. The location was well-fortified, provided easy access to supplies and reinforcements, and had nearby airfields that granted the Allies significant advantages. Despite facing insurmountable logistical challenges and numerical inferiority in all aspects (air force, armor, artillery, and manpower), Rommel commanded a motivated and experienced army, buoyed by previous victories. The pressure to secure a quick victory intensified due to the demands of the Fuhrer and the imminent risk of American reinforcements arriving in Tunisia.
This book not only provides background information but also offers a comprehensive overview of the first battle of El-Alamein, Alam Halfa, and the operations Lightfoot and Supercharge, which propelled Montgomery to fame. It's a great introduction to the leaders, weapons and tactics used in this campaign.
Featuring stunning photographs and excellent artwork by Howard Gerrard, supplemented by 2D and 3D maps illustrating strategic and tactical operations, the book allows readers to grasp the fundamental aspects of this campaign that ultimately demonstrated that Nazi Germany could be defeated.
El-Alamein became the decisive battleground where the Commonwealth forces chose to make their stand. The location was well-fortified, provided easy access to supplies and reinforcements, and had nearby airfields that granted the Allies significant advantages. Despite facing insurmountable logistical challenges and numerical inferiority in all aspects (air force, armor, artillery, and manpower), Rommel commanded a motivated and experienced army, buoyed by previous victories. The pressure to secure a quick victory intensified due to the demands of the Fuhrer and the imminent risk of American reinforcements arriving in Tunisia.
This book not only provides background information but also offers a comprehensive overview of the first battle of El-Alamein, Alam Halfa, and the operations Lightfoot and Supercharge, which propelled Montgomery to fame. It's a great introduction to the leaders, weapons and tactics used in this campaign.
Featuring stunning photographs and excellent artwork by Howard Gerrard, supplemented by 2D and 3D maps illustrating strategic and tactical operations, the book allows readers to grasp the fundamental aspects of this campaign that ultimately demonstrated that Nazi Germany could be defeated.
February 12, 2025
General Overview
Since I was a boy I have loved the Osprey books. Now getting to read them for my Masters brings me nothing but joy. As an entry/overview guide, with fantastic referential images and quotes, this was an interesting read.
Style
Mr Ken Ford, pulls together a great selection of resources to provide details of this climatic battle of the Second World War. Restarting my academic journey, his style, and what he has gathered together here is the perfect introduction to this battle. It is easy to read and engaging, providing well researched information, with a guide of where I needed to take my study next.
Substance
Covering the lead up to the 2nd Battle of El Alamein, this book then delves into the detail of the individual operations that saw the breaking on the Germans and Italians in North Africa. This book provides an impartial overview of the cause and effect issue around this conflict, as well as great detail when justified.
Final Thoughts
Providing easily accessible depth, like many if not all of the Osprey books, it was a delight to read. A great introduction for anyone interested in this part of the Second World War.
Since I was a boy I have loved the Osprey books. Now getting to read them for my Masters brings me nothing but joy. As an entry/overview guide, with fantastic referential images and quotes, this was an interesting read.
Style
Mr Ken Ford, pulls together a great selection of resources to provide details of this climatic battle of the Second World War. Restarting my academic journey, his style, and what he has gathered together here is the perfect introduction to this battle. It is easy to read and engaging, providing well researched information, with a guide of where I needed to take my study next.
Substance
Covering the lead up to the 2nd Battle of El Alamein, this book then delves into the detail of the individual operations that saw the breaking on the Germans and Italians in North Africa. This book provides an impartial overview of the cause and effect issue around this conflict, as well as great detail when justified.
Final Thoughts
Providing easily accessible depth, like many if not all of the Osprey books, it was a delight to read. A great introduction for anyone interested in this part of the Second World War.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews