Battle of Kasserine Pass

The Battle of the Kasserine Pass was a battle fought in Tunisia. It was part of the Tunisia Campaign. The battle took place from 19 February 1943 to 24 February 1943.

Battle of Kasserine Pass
Part of the Tunisia Campaign of World War II
Date 19–24, February 1943 Location Kasserine Pass, Tunisia Result Axis tactical victory
Belligerents
United States United Kingdom France	Nazi Germany Italy
Commanders and leaders
Lloyd Fredendall Kenneth Anderson	Erwin Rommel
Strength
30,000	22,000
Casualties and losses
10,000 (including 6,500 Americans) 183 tanks	2,000 34 tanks

The Axis forces were commanded by Erwin Rommel. They were mostly made from the Afrika Korps and The Italian Centauro Armoured Division. They also included some divisions from the German 5th Panzer Army. The Americans and the II Corps of the U.S Army were led by Lloyd Fredendall. The British 1st Army was led by Kenneth Anderson.

This battle is remembered for being the first major battle between the Americans and Germans in World War Two.

It was the first battle in which the Americans soldiers fought an enemy with better organization and experienced soldiers. The battle at the beginning was very costly for the Americans. They were forced to retreat 50 miles (80 km) from their starting position at the Faid Pass. The Americans were soon reinforced with both American and British reinforcements. They forced Rommel to retreat to better positions.

This battle caused a change in American military organization, to better prepare the army for the war in North Africa. Major General Lloyd Fredendal was sent home to the United States. When Rommel and the Americans fought again weeks later, the American improvements were seen in battle.

Battle Of Kasserine Pass Media

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  Sketch map of Tunisia during the 1942–43 campaign

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  Tunisia, January 30 – April 10, 1943

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  Bataille de Kasserine*Carte insérée dans US Army in World War II - Northwest Africa - Seizing the Initiative in the West

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  An M3 Lee tank of U.S. 1st Armored Division advancing to support American forces during the battle at Kasserine Pass

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  U.S. troops taken prisoner during the battle march through a Tunisian village

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  British soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards establishing positions on difficult terrain at Thala, February 24, 1943

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  Italian Semovente assault guns

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  Rommel in Tunisia speaking with troops riding a captured American-built M3 half-track