After defeat in battle of Gazala, Allied forces retreated westwards. At Marsa Matruh they have put up some restistance, but soon they continued their retreat towards El Alamein line. This line was meant to be a series of defensive boxes stretching between El Alamein and Qattara depression, but at the moment of their arrival the only finished segment was the El Alamein box.
General Claude Auchinleck, Allied C-in-C decided to stop the Axis advance at that line. He distributed his remaining units between sea and Qattara depression in a series of fortified positions. And behind them the remaining armour and mobile forces were kept in reserve.
To view all of the maps and read the full article - check here: Maps of the First Battle of El Alamein
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