History - War at a Glance

The British Break Out In keeping with his character, Montgomery spends over a month carefully planning his attack on Rommel. Shortly after midnight on October 23, Monty launches his attack. Montgomery has more men, tanks, and ammunition, as well as dominance of the airspace over the battlefield. Despite all the training and elaborate timetables, the attack quickly lags behind schedule. On October 25, Monty personally intervenes in the battle to ensure that the advance is vigorous. By the end of the day the British have lost 250 tanks, but the Germans have only 40 tanks left. When the British renew the offensive against the middle of the German lines, there are again heavy losses among the British tanks, but these are losses they can absorb. On November 2, Rommel sends a message to Berlin stating that he cannot prevent a breakout and must withdraw. By November 6, the Battle of El Alamein is over; the Germans are retreating west toward Libya. The Eighth Army destroys hundreds of tanks, takes 30,000 prisoners, and captures 1,000 guns while incurring 13,500 casualties and losing 150 tanks. By November 19, the Eighth Army is back in Benghazi. The Eighth Army has pushed the Germans back 600 miles in 14 days. See Next Ike Takes Command of Operation Torch Rommel Leaves North Africa The Allies Attack