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Witness History: The Battle of El Alamein

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The Battle of El Alamein

05/11/2015 GMT

BBC World Service - Witness History, The Battle of El Alamein

In 1942, the Allies launched an offensive in Egypt that helped shape the course of WW2

In 1942, the Allies fought a famous battle against German and Italian troops close to the small Egyptian village of El Alamein. Witness speaks to British veteran Len Burritt.

In October and November 1942, the Allies fought a famous battle against German and Italian troops close to the small Egyptian village of El Alamein.

General Bernard Montgomery, the British commander, knew that victory was crucial. But his offensive was in danger of stalling almost as soon as it began. 

Witness speaks to Len Burritt who was then a 24 year old wireless operator with the British Seventh Armoured Division.

(Photo: A German tank is knocked out and British troops rush up with fixed bayonets to capture the German crew at the Battle of El Alamein. Credit: Getty Images)

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