70TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE BATTLE OF EL ALAMEIN
TO BE COMMEMORATED

The courage and contribution of those who fought bravely in the Battle of El Alamein will be formally marked by the Ministry of Defence with a special Service of Thanksgiving, held in Westminster Abbey at 3pm on Saturday 27 October 2012. The Reverend Jonathan Woodhouse QHC Chaplain-General (Army) will give the address at the Evensong service.

Those wishing to attend are asked to apply by email to tracey.broome576@mod.uk or by telephone to 0207 807 0970. Tickets will be posted by 19 October.A reception will follow in Church House.

Winston Churchill famously described the battle, which began on 23 October 1942 and ended on 4 November 1942, as the end of the beginning of the war. Led by General Montgomery, the Battle of El Alamein was the climax of months of struggle in the Western Desert as the Allies fought to keep open vital supply lines from the Mediterranean to the East.

Minister for Defence, Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, Andrew Robathan said:

“The Battle of El Alamein was hugely significant as it was the first time the British gained the upper hand over the German Army. “The end of the beginning”. We should honour the survivors of the Battle and commemorate all those who took part. El Alamein turned the tide in the Western Desert – and arguably of the war.”