All Battles

Battle of Medenine

1943 Südtunesien

Map showing the Battle of Médenine, 6 March 1943.

Map showing the Battle of Médenine, 6 March 1943.

Author: Office of the Chief of Military History, Department of the ArmyLicense:PD
Source

Historical Overview

The Battle of Medenine was an Axis spoiling attack at Medenine in Tunisia on 6 March 1943. The operation was intended to delay an attack by the British Eighth Army on the Mareth Line. The British had been forewarned by Ultra decrypts of German wireless communications and rushed reinforcements from Tripoli and Benghazi before the Axis attack, which was a costly failure. General Erwin Rommel, the commander of Army Group Africa (Heeresgruppe Afrika), could not afford to lose forces needed for the defence of the Mareth Line and the effort was abandoned at dusk that day.

Quick Facts

Outcome:Allied victory.

UK

  • Commander: B. Montgomery
  • Strength: ca. 100.000
  • Casualties: gering

Afrika Korps

  • Commander: Erwin Rommel
  • Strength: ca. 100.000
  • Casualties: ca. 600

Strategic Context

Eliminating German tank reserves in Tunisia.

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