Tank Warfare: El Guettar
In mid-March 1943, the 1st Commando Battalion captured the oasis of El Guettar with almost no resistance. The Italian forces defending the oasis withdrew and took up positions on the nearby hills. On 20 March, they were attacked by the Guardians along with the 1st Infantry Division. Infantry Division, captured more than 500 prisoners and captured a large number of ammunition and equipment. Units of the 16th and 18th Infantry Regiments, 1st Infantry Division took up positions in the mountains, east of the oasis, blocking Highway 15 leading to Gabes. Forces of the 601st and 899th Destroyer Battalions were in the second echelon, in front of the highway. The division’s artillery took up positions along the Keddab Ridge. The German command handed over the most combat-effective 10th Battalion, which had more than 100 tanks and armored personnel carriers, and quickly prepared a counterattack plan to capture El Guettara.
Two operations of 7 turns for each side (El Guettar, 23 March 1943).
A thoroughly recreated area of more than 200 km2: ridges and mountains, semi-desert with difficult terrain, swamps and extensive gorges.
Historical organizational structure of units during the offensive.