The Battle of El Alamein discussed in this report occurred in the latter part of 1942. It was actually the second Battle of El Alamein that year and is widely considered to be a turning point in the North African Campaign of World War II. This is because the battle ended in a victory for the Allies and allowed them to secure the Suez Canal and the Middle Eastern oilfields which were crucial to the Allied war effort. If the Afrika Korps had gained control of the Suez Canal, the Allies’ ability to supply themselves would have been severely dented.
This report will provide background information to the Second Battle of El Alamein and explain the event, and why it happened. Many people’s lives were affected by this battle as families lost those who they relied on for support, money and guidance. It remains of significance to New Zealander’s today because the massive baby boom after the war has created an ageing population which needs to be supported in the near future.
The year was 1940. Italy’s decision to join the war on Germany’s side in June highly endangered the Allied
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The outcome of the war may have been different if Axis forces had got their hands on the vital resources that were being so heavily protected by the 8th Army. The fact that they didn't and the Allies won the battle lead to the series of events which were the eventual downfall of the Axis forces. Even though the Allies won at El Alamein, the effect of the battle was terrible, on both the allied and axis sides, and on families of the soldiers.
The loss of over 3000 men in the El Alamein battle alone had long lasting effects on their families and New Zealand as a whole. Even though the men who had been killed or injured could not make a contribution to the young, growing nation of New Zealand, it could be argued they made the greatest contribution. They fought for and won our