75 years since New Zealand handed Nazi Germany its first land defeat of WWII

<p>Glyn Harper, author of <em>The Battle for North Africa: El Alamein and the turning point for World War II</em></p>

Glyn Harper, author of The Battle for North Africa: El Alamein and the turning point for World War II

Glyn Harper recently talked to Newshub’s Tony Wright about the 75th anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein, and his new book releasing this month:

‘Seventy-five years ago, New Zealand played a pivotal role in defeating Nazi Germany in a land battle for the first time, changing the outcome of World War II. 

Today, the explosive remains from that battle are still being used in conflict, by the so-called Islamic State.

And if you're familiar with Kiwi Taika Waititi's cult film Boy, you'll unwittingly know this battle's name already – El Alamein.

The engagement in North Africa, known as the Second Battle of El Alamein, occurred in the deserts of Egypt in 1942, pitting the Axis forces of Nazi Germany and Italy against Britain and its allies, which included New Zealand.

“If the British had lost that battle, it would have set back the war effort considerably, there was already considerable doubt about whether the Allies could actually beat a German army in the field,” Military historian Glyn Harper told Newshub.’

Watch the video and read the full article here.