Battle of Medenine
Medenine, southern Tunisia
What happened
The British Eighth Army under Bernard Montgomery, with New Zealand and Free French troops, fought German and Italian forces under Erwin Rommel and Giovanni Messe. The Axis attacked to delay the British assault on the Mareth Line. Allied codebreakers had read German radio messages, so the British were ready and had dug in anti-tank guns. The Axis tanks were stopped, and the attack was called off at dusk.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was Rommel's last battle in Africa. The failure meant the Axis could not delay the British attack on the Mareth Line.
What came next
Rommel left Africa days later. The Axis armies in Tunisia surrendered on 13 May 1943, with about a quarter of a million soldiers taken prisoner.
Did you know?
Montgomery called the Axis attack 'an absolute gift'.
Timeline
- 17 November 1942The Tunisian campaign begins.
- 6 March 1943The Allies win at Medenine.
- 9 March 1943Rommel leaves for Italy.
- 13 May 1943The Axis surrender in Tunisia.