Portsmouth marks anniversary of Battle of El Alamein – a pivotal moment in World War Two

The Battle of El Alamein in Egypt, which began on October 23 1942, marked the first significant victory of allied forces over the then German-Italian army. It led to a real belief that Hitler and the German army could ultimately be defeated.

After the victory, church bells rang out across the land for the first time since the onset of the conflict and inspired Churchill to proclaim ‘now this is not the end, it is not even the beginning of the end, but it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning’.

The victory involved servicemen from the city and was led by Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, who went on to live in Portsmouth and became Pompey president.

It was therefore fitting that the placing of two poppy wreaths took place at the statue of Monty, as he became affectionately known, outside the D-Day Story Museum.

Placing one of the wreaths was the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Rob Wood, who said: ‘General Montgomery has a close association with Portsmouth and it’s important we remember what was a pivotal moment in the direction of WW2.

‘With Remembrance Day approaching it’s also important to remember all those who fought so bravely during the conflict.’

Also taking part in the ceremony was Cllr Frank Jonas whose father, Tom Jonas, took part in the battle.

Cllr Jonas said: ‘My father would talk to me about the incredible barrage of attack they would come under from the German and Italian forces. It was a turning point in the war and fortunately he survived the battle.’

Joining the ceremony was Marcus Dilly who performs war re-enactments at the museum and whose family member was one of more than 13,000 casualties who perished during the battle.

SEE ALSO: Royal Navy top brass back Portsmouth campaign to mark Remembrance 2020

Marcus said: ‘My wife’s grandfather, Jack Ronald, was part of the East Surrey Regiment who took part in the battle. His wife was already pregnant with my wife’s father but unfortunately Jack was killed and never returned home. It’s incredibly important to have these shows of remembrance as without the efforts of these men the world would be a very different place.’

With many of this year’s Remembrance Sunday events curtailed due to Covid restrictions, The News is running its Stand Out For Heroes campaign, encouraging residents to stand outside and take two minutes of silent reflection to remember all those who, like Jack, did not make it home.

It’s an initiative both the Lord Mayor and Cllr Jonas are keen to support.

Cllr Jonas said: ‘I normally go to the remembrance service at the cathedral which I sadly won’t be doing this year but I will definitely be taking a moment to stand outside and reflect. It is a great initiative which I fully support.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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