In July 1942, German and Italian forces seemed to be at the point of sweeping away British resistance in the Middle East and overrunning Egypt. But, Rommel's victorious army was checked on the Alamein line in what became the first battle of Alamein. Two months later, another Axis thrust was held in the second battle of Alamein. Eventually the Allied forces were on the offensive and, after two weeks of bitter fighting, Rommel's forces were retreating.
Through a fascinating selection of firsthand accounts from battalion commanders and private soldiers alike, Philip Warner reveals the loyalty and chivalry, courage and hardship, humor and compassion behind these remarkable series of battles.