World War II Day by Day: November 1942

Japan’s territorial conquests appeared to signal its triumph over Europe’s colonial powers in the Far East. The United States, however, was now on the offensive and won crucial strategic victories at sea over the Japanese. These had serious repercussions for Japan’s ability to sustain both its domestic and overseas power. In North Africa and on the Eastern Front, Axis offensives, although initially successful, were halted and then defeated by a series of Allied counterattacks. Control of the sea-lanes continued to be a crucial factor in the war.

2-24 November

Africa, Egypt/Libya

Gurkhas of the British Eight Army go on the attack during the Battle of El Alamein
Gurkhas of the British Eight Army go on the attack during the Battle of El Alamein

Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, severely lacking supplies, decides to withdraw from El Alamein. He delays this for 48 hours, after Adolf Hitler’s order to stand firm, but then continues following further Allied attacks. The Allies push him back to Tobruk, Benghazi, and then El Agheila by the 24th. Germany and Italy have lost 59,000 men killed, wounded, or captured. The Allies have suffered 13,000 killed, wounded, or missing. General Bernard Montgomery’s victory saves the Suez Canal and raises Allied morale. Alamein is the first major defeat of German forces during the war.

5 November

Africa, Madagascar

Vichy French forces in control of the island surrender.

8-11 November

Africa, Morocco/Algeria

Three Allied Task Forces, including five carriers, land 34,000 US troops near Casablanca, 39,000 US and British troops near Oran (accompanied by a parachute assault), and 33,000 troops near Algiers. US General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme commander, aims to seize Vichy French North Africa as a springboard for future operations to clear the whole of North Africa of Axis forces. Admiral Jean François Darlan, Vichy commissioner in Africa, causes diplomatic turbulence by arranging a cease-fire and agreeing to support the Allies. The surprise invasion is a product of successful interservice planning, and Rommel is now fighting on two Fronts.

11 November

Western Front, Vichy France

German and Italian forces occupy Vichy France to prevent an Allied invasion from the former Vichy French territories in North Africa.

12-14 November

Pacific, Solomons

A US cruiser-destroyer squadron inflicts serious losses on a Japanese naval force of 18 warships attempting to bombard Guadalcanal’s Henderson Field, and also lands 11,000 troops.

17-28 November

Africa, Tunisia

British paratroopers land at Souk-el-Arba and join a limited Allied advance toward Bizerta. Thousands of German reinforcements are arriving daily, and the Allies are not yet ready for a large offensive. By the 28th, they are within 20 miles (32 km) of Tunis but are halted by Axis counterattacks. Allied reinforcements from Algiers are slowed by rain and mud. A stalemate develops across much of Tunisia.

19 November

Eastern Front, Ukraine

German troops in action during the desperate struggle against the Soviet forces outside Stalingrad
German troops in action during the desperate struggle against the Soviet forces outside Stalingrad

General Georgi Zhukov launches a Soviet counteroffensive at Stalingrad with 10 armies, 900 tanks, and 1100 aircraft, to be carried out along a Front of 260 miles (416 km). Soviet forces north and south of Stalingrad are to trap the Germans in a pincer movement. The attack is made during the frost, which assists tank mobility. It also coincides with the Allied North African landings, which divert Germany’s attention. Allied supplies have equipped the Soviet forces for the advance. The German Front buckles.

25 November

Eastern Front, Ukraine

German troops trapped outside Stalingrad search the skies for the arrival of supplies being brought by aircraft
German troops trapped outside Stalingrad search the skies for the arrival of supplies being brought by aircraft

The airlift to supply the German Sixth Army trapped around Stalingrad commences with 320 aircraft. The operation, which eventually requires 500 aircraft, lasts until February 1943.

27 November

Sea War, Mediterranean

Vichy French naval forces in Toulon are scuttled with the loss of 72 vessels, including three battleships, before the Germans can seize them.

30 November

Sea War, Pacific

At the Battle of Tassafaronga, five US heavy cruisers and seven destroyers attack a Japanese convoy of eight destroyers bound for Guadalcanal. Japan loses one destroyer; the US four cruisers.