8/08/2010

Alamein -World War II


About two hours from Alexandria, Egypt, tourists can visit one of the most important battlefields and memorials of World War II in North Africa.65 years ago, the final battle took place between Axis and Allied forces for dominance of North Africa. The winner would control the Suez Canal - the sea route from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean - and much of the Middle East.
Many Young soldiers died from both sides…for what …!! I don't know,for a passion of politicians wanted to expand their empires on dead bodies…. Maybe ..or for what!!!??

Today, the Alamein is mostly a port facility for shipping oil. However, it was once
described by Churchill as having the best climate in the world. There are several hotels and a beach resort nearby). There is also a war museum with collectibles from the Battle of El Alamein and other North African battles. The only historical interest in this village would be related to WW II, and includes an Italian and German military cemeteries on Tell el-Eisa Hill just outside of town.

Cemeteries that commemorate the battles and the men → Italian, German, British, Canadian, New Zealand, South African, Australian, Egyptian, and others→ who served and died here.
*El Alamein World War II Military Museum:
The museum was opened in the year 1956, during the presidency of Gamal Abdel Nasser.It was built as a memorial of the Battle of Al Alamein , between the British and the Germans in 1942, and the battles that took place in South Africa during the Second World War.
Al-Alemein War Museum was renewed and reopened in 1992, during the presidency of Mubarak. The museum is one of the best places to visit in order
to achieve an understanding of the story of World War II in Egypt .
A tour of the small military museum begins outside, with displays of tanks, aircraft, jeeps, mines, and other armaments and wrecks from World War II's North African campaign,Inside the El-Alamein Museum, a low-tech diorama of
North Africa shows the various campaigns. A tape recording tells the story with scratchy old music of World War II newsreels, while flashing lights identify the regions on the map.
1- El Alamein Commonwealth war graves:

These graves were erected in honor of the Allied (This includes soldiers from any country or race who fought as part of the allied army) soldiers who died in the battle of Alamein, they still hold memorial service every year by the families of these soldiers.

2-The British Cemetery :

Most of the soldiers were British 8th Army led by General Montgomery. The Battle began on October 23, 1942 and lasted until November 4th. In all, 35,476 British and Commonwealth soldiers lost their lives in the three years of the North African campaigns of WW II.


3-The German Cemetery :

The German Cemetery is a fortress-like memorial that was built on a high hill overlooking the sea… it was Erected by the German government in memory of the German soldiers who died at the battle of Alamein, this is an interesting piece of architecture, there is an awesome view when you go right to the top. Most of the soldiers buried here are German Afrika Korps lead by General Erwin Rommel . In all, 21,994 German soldiers lost their lives in the three years of the North African campaigns of WW II.


4-The Italian Cemetery at El Alamein:


The Italian Cemetery is a high tower fort standing on a tall hill, with walls covered in marble.Most of the soldiers buried here are Italian from the 10th, 20th and 21st Italian Army Corps lead by General Erwin Rommel. In all, 22,569 Italian soldiers lost their lives in the three years of the North African campaigns of WW II.

1 comment:

poptewety said...

wounderful blog