The early battles of North Africa between the Axis powers and the
British Commonwealth and her European allies were among the very last
clashes of chivalry. At the small town of El Alamein belligerents met
and fought, on two occasions, for overall control of both Egypt and the
Suez in the latter half of 1942. For the Allies, the battles were also a
chance to destroy Axis ambitions in the Western Desert, while gaining
mastery of the Mediterranean and a foothold in Southern Europe.
The two battles, in July, and October to November 1942, were to see men
and equipment tested to the very limit of their capabilities. They were
also the first major battles where Allied intelligence and all arms
planning played a key part in defeating an experienced adversary. These
battles would cement the two armies' and their commanders' reputations
in perpetuity and sows the seeds for the steady defeat of the Axis in
the West.
This Battle Craft title also looks at four pieces of military hardware
that were involved in these legendary battles. Representing the land
forces are the Crusader and Panzer III, both working to the limits of
their designs and already legends in their own rights. The Desert Air
Force's Curtiss P40Es and the Luftwaffe's Messerschmitt Bf109 Es
represent the battle for air superiority that raged overhead.
The Quartermaster section provides the modeler with an insight into the
development and operational use of the four chosen vehicles and aircraft
that were involved in the Battles of El Alamein. A selection of
historical and contemporary photos and illustrations feature alongside
stunning showcase builds, providing the modeler with subjects to whet
the creative appetite. It also features details of model kits and extras
that can really help the modeler bring military history to life.
