What Lessons for Armoured Operations Were Learnt at Alamein?
After the battle a document Lessons from Operations Oct. and Nov. 1942 (Middle Eastern Training Memorandum No. 7) was produced to ensure that all arms adopted techniques developed as a result of the experience gained at Alamein. The clearance of minefields was a major aspect of the Alamein battle. One of the main recommendations of the Memorandum was that where armour is to deploy through an enemy minefield, it is essential for infantry to clear a gap all the way through the minefield before calling the armour forward. Armour fighting in a close support role is to be called forward as required, not to lead the attack. The document put forward a number of recommendations for improving training and cooperation between infantry and armour. Where joint infantry and armour operations are to be mounted, it is essential to train units together: thus, the infantry battalion would train with the armoured regiment it is to work with, the infantry company would work with the squadron, and the pla
