MAY 1943

To commemorate 80 years since the Second World War, History of War will be taking a look at some of the key events taking place during each month of the conflict

- 

LIBERATION OF TUNISIA

At the beginning of May 1943, British-led Allied soldiers launched the final ground attacks against German and Italian forces in Tunisia. Axis troops were positioned in defensive pockets at Tunis, Cape Bon and Bizerte.

Operations Vulcan and Strike saw British and American forces overcome the Axis positions during 22 April to 12 May 1943. German commander General Hans-Jürgen von Arnim surrendered on 12 May and all remaining Axis forces commanded by Italian Marshal Giovanni Messe capitulated the following day. Almost 240,000 German and Italian soldiers were captured, with Tunis being liberated. It was the end of both the Tunisian and North African Campaigns.

DAMBUSTERS RAID

Codenamed Operation Chastise, the Dambusters Raid saw RAF 617 Squadron conduct an audacious bombing raid in the industrial heart of Germany on the night of 16-17 May 1943. Led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, 617’s aim to was to destroy three dams with secret ‘bouncing bombs’.