Breaking the German Defenses: Coordinated Land, Air, and Sea Attacks
About This Footage
Reel 6 of Tunisian Victory (1944) highlights the Battle of Mareth Line (March 11-13, 1943) and the growing role of coordinated Allied airpower in the North African campaign. The Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) was established at the Casablanca Conference, bringing together the RAF and USAAF under a unified command to support ground and naval forces. Animated maps illustrate this new air combat strategy, designed to deliver concentrated attacks when and where needed. Footage shows Air Marshal Lloyd, Air Marshal Cunningham, and General Harold Alexander planning operations in the Tunisian mountains.
The Battle of Mareth Line unfolds with British 8th Army forces assaulting German fortifications, while a flanking attack by New Zealand and Free French troops targets the German right flank. Stunning nighttime footage captures British artillery firing under moonlight, infantry scaling the steep banks of Wadi Zig-Zaou, and engineers constructing tank crossings. Scenes depict British anti-tank gunners engaging German armor, while Coastal Air Force bombers and tank-busting aircraft strike enemy positions. The reel also features the liberation of el-Hamma, with New Zealand forces welcomed by cheering locals.
The Luftwaffe attempts to reinforce Rommel, but German Junkers Ju 52 transport planes flying over the Mediterranean are intercepted by P-38 Lightning fighters. Gun camera footage captures dramatic aerial combat as P-38s shoot down enemy aircraft. Meanwhile, General George S. Patton leads U.S. tanks, half-tracks, and infantry eastward from el-Guettar, linking up with British patrols moving north from Wadi Akarit. An animated map shows the Axis forces pushed into the hills beyond Enfidaville, marking the beginning of the end for the German Africa Korps.
The reel concludes with footage of civilians returning to their villages, Jewish children removing the yellow stars they were forced to wear under German occupation, and Allied army doctors tending to Arab civilians, symbolizing the restoration of peace and liberation in Tunisia.
Part of this Complete Film
Tunisian Victory (1944) - WWII North Africa Campaign Documentary