Army chief pays tribute to El Alamein veterans

Updated

World War II veterans on a trip to Egypt have commemorated the anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein, where they defeated a German army 70 years ago.

During the battle, forces dealt a crushing blow to the German Panzer Army of Africa and began to turn the tide against the Nazis.

Just outside the Egyptian town the veterans gathered at the Australian memorial, which overlooks the Commonwealth Cemetery.

The Chief of the Australian Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, told the ceremony the battle continues to shape the views of Australian forces.

"Our current army ethos is founded on courage, initiative and teamwork," he said.

"It is a legacy given to us by those men and women who fought here, in this place."

Veteran Jack Caple took time to remember those buried here in graves under the hard rock and sand of the Egyptian desert.

"Those poor boys were deprived of a life," he said.

"Like, you and I, we've enjoyed life, married with families.

"And they missed out on all that, which is very sad, for the sake of freedom."

Veteran Clyde Towler also paid tribute to mates he met in the most testing of times.

"Bush boys, they didn't know the meaning of fear at all," he said.

"I just went along with them."

The veterans are now headed for an airbase in the Persian Gulf to met Australian soldiers currently deployed to Afghanistan.

The Battle of El Alamein was a crucial turning point in the war.

Allied troops defeated the army of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, ending the Nazi's hopes of controlling the Middle East.

Topics: world-war-2, history, veterans, defence-and-national-security, egypt, australia, germany

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