Battle of Wadi Akarit | |||||||
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Part of the Tunisia Campaign of the Second World War | |||||||
![]() Gabès and the Tunisian Campaign. | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
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Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Bernard Montgomery | Giovanni Messe | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
3 divisions | 24,500 (estimated) | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
1,289 32 tanks | 7,000 prisoners |
The Battle of Wadi Akarit (Operation Scipio) was an Allied attack from 6 to 7 April 1943, to dislodge Axis forces from positions along the Wadi Akarit in Tunisia during the Tunisia Campaign of the Second World War. The Gabès Gap, north of the towns of Gabès and El Hamma, is a passage between the sea and impassable salt marshes. The 51st (Highland) Infantry Division breached the defences and held a bridgehead, allowing the passage of their main force to roll up the Axis defences. After several determined counter-attacks, the Axis forces withdrew and the Eighth Army, under General Bernard Montgomery, pursued toward Tunis, until reaching Axis defensive positions at Enfidaville.