The German Side
Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, the German theater commander in North Africa during World War II, also known as the "Desert Fox" for his combat successes, was a very confident leader. He was admired by British and American commanders for his ideas and his opinion on treating prisoners respectfully. Sent in February of 1941 to command the Afrika Korps, a strong force that contolled most of Eastern Noth Africa with German tanks, he fought with Britain in the Desert War. He successfully led his troops into Egypt after fighting constantly with British forces (the 8th Army), but was defeated in his most important battles at El Alamein in North Egypt (near the Mediterranean Sea).
(National Archives 1943)
(National Archives 1943)
The British Side
General Bernard L. Montgomery was the methodical commander of Britain's 8th Army who only fought to win. Montgomery attacked the German forces at the battles at El Alamein in October 1942, sending the Afrika Korps from Egypt and Libya into Tunisia. This was a major turning point in World War II, and troops under his command were largely responsible for the expulsion of Axis forces from North Africa. His miltary leadership prevented Germany from gaining permanent territory in Eastern North Africa (Libya, Egypt, and Tunisia).
(National Archives 1942)
(National Archives 1942)
The American Side
General George S. Patton was an experienced tank commander of the Western Tank Force during Operation Torch, nicknamed "Old Blood-and-Guts". He was one of the most controversial generals in American history because he was so persistent. On November 7, 1942, Patton's I Corps landed in Morocco and scattered Vichy French Resistance. But in March 1943 American forces in Tunisia were attacked and defeated by Gen. Erwin Rommel. Patton turned the unmotivated forces into the II Corps fighting force. On March 23, 1943 at El Guettar in Tunisia, Patton attacked the 10th Panzer Division (German troops) and destroyed 32 tanks. By June, Allied forces had eliminated German power from North Africa.
(American War Library 1943)
(American War Library 1943)
Dwight D. Eisenhower
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed to the army's War Plans Division and he advanced in rank to major general. Later, he became lieutenant-general and transferred to England as commander of all U.S. forces. During a conference with Allied forces, he was chosen to become the commander of Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa. North Africa at this time was under the control of the pro-Nazi Vichy French regime of Adm. Jean-Francois Darlan. Eisenhower secretly negotiated with the French for a cease-fire in exchange for recognizing pro-Nazi Adm. Jean-Francois Darlan as "Head of State'' in North Africa, which lessened the number of casualties.
(National Archives 1942)
(National Archives 1942)