I knew an old guy who said during WW2 he joined the army and went to Africa. What was he doing there? (I didn’t know him very well and he’s probably dead now so I can’t ask him directly). Was there any war related stuff going on in Africa?

  • IWW4@lemmy.zip
    2·
    7 hours ago

    The African campaign was hugely important for england as it had parts of its empire there, it was huge for the US as it was basically a pre-season game leading to the invasion of Europe.

    It was hugely important for the Italians as their incompetent asses tried to do a land grab. Got the shit beat out of them by the brits.

    It was hugely important for the Germans as they had to save their only substantial alley’s worthless ass

    This is from google.

    The North African Campaign (June 1940 – May 1943) was a crucial WWII theater, pitting Allied forces against Axis powers for control of Egypt, the Suez Canal, and North Africa. Key moments included the British victory in 1940-41, Rommel’s arrival leading to intense, shifting battles in 1941-42, and the decisive Allied victory at El Alamein, ending with Axis surrender in Tunisia.

    Key Events Timeline (1940-1943)

    1940: The War Begins in Africa

    • 10 June 1940: Italy declares war on Britain and France, launching the campaign.
    • 13 September 1940: Italian forces invade Egypt from Libya.
    • December 1940: British forces launch Operation Compass, pushing Italians back and taking large numbers of prisoners.

    1941: Rommel and the Desert War

    • February 1941: German General Erwin Rommel arrives in Tripoli to lead the German Afrika Korps to support the failing Italian army.
    • March-April 1941: Rommel launches an offensive, driving British forces back.
    • April 1941: The Siege of Tobruk begins.
    • November 1941: British launch Operation Crusader, eventually lifting the siege of Tobruk.

    1942: The Turning Point

    • June 1942: Rommel wins a major victory at Gazala and captures Tobruk.
    • July 1942: First Battle of El Alamein halts the Axis advance into Egypt.
    • 23 October – 11 November 1942: Second Battle of El Alamein: Allied forces under Bernard Montgomery decisively defeat the Axis forces.
    • 8–16 November 1942: Operation Torch: U.S. and British forces land in French Morocco and Algeria, putting pressure on the Axis from

    1943: End of the African Campaign

    • February 1943: Rommel’s forces are pushed back into Tunisia, marking his last offensive in Africa.
    • 6-7 May 1943: Allied forces take Tunis and Bizerte.
    • 13 May 1943: Axis forces in North Africa surrender, marking the end of the campaign

    Key Figures

    • Allied Commanders: Bernard Montgomery (Eighth Army), Dwight D. Eisenhower (Operation Torch), Claude Auchinleck.
    • Axis Commanders: Erwin Rommel (Afrika Korps), Italo Gariboldi