75th anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein

Today marks the anniversary of the second of three major battles that occurred around El Alamein in Egypt between July and November 1942 where the Australian Imperial Force suffered almost 6,000 casualties over the course of five months.

The fighting proved to be the turning point of the war in North Africa and the Australian 9th Division, led by Lieutenant General Leslie Morshead, played a key role.

Minister for Veterans' Affairs Dan Tehan honoured the Australians who served at the Battle of El Alamein on its 75th anniversary by hosting veterans of the Battle at a reception in their honour and then attend a Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.

“It is an honour to host some of the veterans of the Battle of El Alamein,” Mr Tehan said.

“They remind us that today we are not glorifying war or fighting, we are celebrating the human spirit and the service and sacrifice of the Australians who defended our freedoms.

“I urge all Australians to pause and reflect on those involved in the Battle of El Alamein.”

A memorial to the 9th Australian Division stands at the El Alamein Cemetery in Egypt, which contains 7,240 Commonwealth burials.