AUSTRALIAN MILITARY World War II –
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- xii, 314 p., [14] p. of plates : ill., maps, ports. ; 23 cm.
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- Australia. Army. Division, 9th
- El Alamein, Battle of, Egypt, 1942
- World War, 1939-1945 — Campaigns — Africa, North
- World War, 1939-1945 — Regimental histories — Australia
- Australia — Military relations — Great Britain
- Great Britain — Military relations — Australia
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The Australian 9th Division played a crucial, tough role at El Alamein in 1942, stopping Rommel’s advance into Egypt during the intense First Battle (July) and fighting in the decisive Second Battle (October/November). They defended key coastal positions like Ruin Ridge, suffering heavy casualties but buying time for the Allies, earning legendary status for their tenacity, famously defending Tobruk previously, and paving the way for ultimate Allied victory in North Africa.
Key Contributions:- First Battle of El Alamein (July 1942): Rushed to the front, the 9th Division held a vital defensive line on the coast, launching attacks and repelling numerous Axis counterattacks, preventing a breakthrough.
- Second Battle of El Alamein (October-November 1942): They were again central to the fighting, particularly in the northern sector, attacking towards the sea to draw enemy forces and support the main Allied breakthrough.
- Key Positions: They held critical ground like Tel el Eisa and Ruin Ridge, enduring intense artillery and infantry assaults.
- Commander: Lieutenant General Leslie Morshead, a veteran of Gallipoli, led the division.
Significance:- Their endurance and skill were vital in halting the Axis drive towards the Suez Canal and Egypt’s vital cities.
- The battles established the 9th Division’s reputation for toughness, solidifying their status as the “famous” or “magnificent” 9th.
- El Alamein marked the 9th Division’s last major action in the Middle East before returning to Australia to fight the Japanese.
Legacy:- A 9th Division Memorial stands near the El Alamein War Cemetery in Egypt, honoring their sacrifice.
- Their actions at El Alamein are remembered as a turning point in the North African Campaign and a significant chapter in Australian military history.
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