While the New Zealanders seized their objectives, the overall battle did not develop as Montgomery expected. Twenty minutes later the infantry began their assault, advancing forward under a First World War-style creeping barrage. the skies around El Alamein lit up as around 900 guns opened fire on known Axis positions. Its task, along with South African, Australian and British divisions, was to 'break in' through the enemy defences, which were now covered by deep minefields. The New Zealand Division played a key role in the second Battle of El Alamein, which began on 23 October 1942. He brought a new uncompromising approach to the campaign, immediately indicating that there would be no thought of further retreat. While he was fortunate to assume command just as conditions began to favour the Allies, Montgomery had more than good luck on his side. This action marked the debut of the 8th Army’s new commander, Lieutenant-General Bernard Montgomery. Having made little progress and with his tanks short on fuel Rommel fell back to his original positions. Deciphered German codes – dubbed ULTRA intelligence by the Allies – allowed the Allies to track Rommel’s intended movements and they pounded his columns with artillery and from the air. On 30 August 1942 German and Italian forces breached the Alamein minefields and headed south in an attempt to outflank the Allied forces. Rommel, conscious that a lack of reinforcements and supplies were weakening his position in North Africa, tried to grab the initiative before it was too late.
The 4th, 5th and 6th (NZ) Brigades suffered heavy casualties in these battles, and several thousand more New Zealanders were captured.Ī stalemate developed on the Alamein Line. Faulty orders and a lack of initiative on the part of the exhausted British tank commanders lay at the heart of the problem. But its main cause was the failure of the British armour to move forward. The inability to get anti-tank and other heavy weapons forward to the New Zealanders contributed to the debacles at Ruweisat and El Mreir.