Tunisia Wadi’s and Djebels 8 th Army Battlefield Tour
Tunisia where the final desert battles were fought, often with more intensity than the previous desert battles. Follow the route of the 8th Army along many of the original roads. From their first battle at Medenine on 6th March 1943 to the “Horseshoe” then the Mareth Line, then Wadi Akarit, then onto their last major battle at Enfidaville in April 1943. Stop at the site where in May 1943 it all ended for von Arnim and the survivors of the Afrika Korps. An exciting tour that encompasses not just battlefields, but ancient Roman and North African sites as well. This is an opportunity to stand where numerous Victoria Cross actions took place. The whole tour will be conducted in 4x4 desert vehicles, the only real way to see the desert battlefields. Day 1 Flight from London to Tunis and transfer to our hotel at Hammamet. (D)
Day 2 This morning we head south to our hotel at Gabes. En-route we shall visit the El Djem railway bridge where in late 1942 US paratroopers descended to blow up the viaduct (but forgot the explosives) and the ancient Roman amphitheatre at El Djem and its accompanying museum. Overnight in the oasis town of Gabes. (B L D) Day 3 This morning we travel south again to examine the Battle of Medenine fought on March 6 th , 1943, Where Monty’s anti-tank gunners defeated three panzer divisions. Returning north we stop at the “Horseshoe” an outpost of the Mareth Line captured by the Guards Brigade on 16/17 th March 1943. Again, moving north, we visit the Mareth Line Museum and the battlefield along the banks of the Wadi Zig Zaou. Where the 50 th Northumbrian Division took on the might of the 15 th Panzer Division on 20-23rd March 1943. Overnight in Gabes. (B L D)
Day 4 This morning we head west to examine the second part of the Battle of Mareth and the involvement of the 2 nd New Zealand Division at the Tebaga Gap and a Maori VC. Heading north again we visit the Wadi Akarit battlefield traversing the whole battlefield and seeing where Eric Anderson and Lorne Campbell both earned the Victoria Cross, also Fatnassa where another VC was earned. Next, we visit the Wadi Chaffar the site of the last rear- guard action before Monty’s arrival in Sfax on 10 th April 1943. Overnight in Sfax. (B L D) Day 5 This morning we head west to examine the second part of the Battle of Mareth and the involvement of the 2nd New Zealand Division at the Tebaga Gap and a Maori VC. Heading north again we visit the Wadi Akarit battlefield traversing the whole battlefield and seeing where Eric Anderson and Lorne Campbell both earned the Victoria Cross, also Fatnassa where another VC was earned. Next, we visit the Wadi Chaffar the site of the last rear- guard action before Monty’s arrival in Sfax on 10th April 1943. Overnight in Sfax. (B L D) Day 6 Visits to the Medjez el Bab war cemetery and the Medjez el Bab Memorial to the Missing. Returning to Tunis via the 1st Army battlefields of Longstop Hill and the Majerda valley where John Anderson and John Kenneally both won Victoria Crosses, as did Major Le Patroul at Tebourba. See also where the famous Tiger 131 was captured as we head for Cactus Farm and Massicault war cemetery.Overnight in Tunis (B L D) Day 7 Today we make the short journey to Carthage, home of Hannibal and his legions, visiting several ancient sites including the Punic military port. Overnight in Tunis (B L D) Day 8 Return flight to London or other. (B)
Tour Dates: 7 th – 14 th May and 9 th – 16 th November Tour Price: TBC Single Supplement: TBC Deposit per person: £ 250 Group Price: On Request Bespoke Price: On Request Price includes: Flights from the UK All transport in 4x4 desert vehicles Mineral water All 4/5 Star hotels All meals (see itinerary, B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner) All entrance fees Campaign booklet Battlefield Guide Not included in price: Hotel services (telephones, laundry, room service etc.) Social drinks Gratuities