The Battle for North Africa: El Alamein and the Turning Point for World War II

Twentieth-Century Battles

by Glyn Harper

In the early years of World War II, Germany shocked the world with a devastating blitzkrieg, rapidly conquered most of Europe, and pushed into North Africa. As the Allies scrambled to counter the Axis armies, the British Eighth Army confronted the experienced Afrika Corps, led by German field marshal Erwin Rommel, in three battles at El Alamein. In the first battle, the Eighth Army narrowly halted the advance of the Germans during the summer of 1942. However, the stalemate left Nazi troops within striking distance of the Suez Canal, which would provide a critical tactical advantage to the controlling force. War historian Glyn Harper dives into the story, vividly narrating the events, strategies, and personalities surrounding the battles and paying particular attention to the Second Battle of El Alamein, a crucial turning point in the war that would be described by Winston Churchill as "the end of the beginning." Moving beyond a simple narrative of the conflict, The Battle for North Africa tackles critical themes, such as the problems of coalition warfare, the use of military intelligence, the role of celebrity generals, and the importance of an all-arms approach to modern warfare.

Genres: History, World War II, War, Northern Africa, Africa, Nonfiction

264 pages, Hardcover

Published September 22, 2017

About the author

Glyn Harper is Professor of War Studies at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand. He is now General Editor of the Centenary History of New Zealand and the First World War. A former teacher, he joined the Australian Army in 1988 and after eight years transferred to the New Zealand Army, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Glyn was the army's official historian for the deployment to East Timor and is the author of numerous history books.

Reviews

[Dasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not think I would enjoy this book because I am not the biggest fan of military history but I really enjoyed this book. I had never read any histories on El Alamein before but Harper appears to bring a new perspective to the battles and the importance of it in the Second World War. The description of how the landscape and elements interrupted technology and strategy warfare stuck out to me. Moreover, the descriptions of the various important individuals in the battles kept my attention throughout. I wish Harper included more discussion around the Maori who fought in the battle as it is briefly mentioned.

[Nishant Pappireddi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent books covering all 3 battles at El Alamein and why they were so important.

[FattyLumpkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average work on this subject.

[Helen Boseley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was well researched and referenced but personally I found it difficult to follow.

[Cassie]

Won from a GR giveaway. Can't wait to get it and read!! - I never received this book. A package was mailed, but was empty when I opened it.