Commemorations to mark 75th anniversary of Battle

Commemorations to mark 75th anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein

Commemorations to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein will be held at Pukeahu National War Memorial, in Wellington on Friday 27 October.

“The service will acknowledge New Zealand’s significant contribution to the Battle of El Alamein, part of the Second World War North Africa campaign,” Paul James Chief Executive Manatū Taonga said.

“The New Zealand Division played an important role in the second Battle of El Alamein. The battle began on 23 October 1942 and ended on 11 November 1942. New Zealand, South African, Australian and British divisions, broke through the enemy defences, culminating in an Allied forces victory.

“The battle was the first success for Allied forces over a German-led army in the Second World War and was a major turning point in the war.

“379 New Zealanders were killed in the battle of El Alamein.

“During the North African Campaign almost 10,000 New Zealanders were killed or wounded, and more than 4000 became prisoners of war. Three New Zealanders, Charles Upham, Keith Elliot and Te Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu, were awarded the Victoria Cross.

“More than 1100 New Zealanders are buried in the El Alamein Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery - the largest number of New Zealanders buried in one cemetery outside New Zealand. A further 859 New Zealanders, with no known grave, are commemorated on the El Alamein Memorial.

“This remembrance service at Pukeahu provides the opportunity for New Zealanders to remember those that fought in the Battle of El Alamein and learn more about New Zealand’s overseas commitment in this conflict,” Paul James said.

Read more about the Battle of El Alamein on the Ministry's NZ History website: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/the-north-african-campaign/el-alamein

Event details:

When: Friday 27 October, Friday 27 October, 11:00am
Where: Pukeahu National War Memorial, State Highway 1, Te Aro, Wellington

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