The Deutsches Afrika Korps (DAK) was an elite German armoured unit that fought in North Africa during the Second World War (1939-45). The Korps was initially led by Erwin Rommel (1891-1944) before he was promoted to lead a larger force of which the Korps remained a part. The Afrika Korps gained a reputation for its mastery of the desert environment, skill in arms, and esprit de corps.
More about: Afrika KorpsDefinition
Timeline
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Feb 1941Germany's Afrika Korps of two armoured divisions is formed for service in North Africa.
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Feb 1941 - Aug 1941Erwin Rommel leads Germany's Afrika Korps in North Africa.
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Mar 1941Germany's Afrika Korps wins the Battle of El Agheila.
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Apr 1941 - Dec 1941The failed siege of Tobruk by Axis forces commanded by Erwin Rommel.
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1 Apr 1941Germany's Afrika Korps wins the battle of Mersa Brega.
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4 Apr 1941Germany's Afrika Korps captures Benghazi.
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May 1942 - Jun 1942The Battle of Gazala in Libya between Allied and Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel, the victor.
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May 1942 - Jun 1942Axis forces, including the Afrika Korps, win the Battle of Bir Hakeim.
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1 Jul 1942 - 27 Jul 1942The Allies win the First Battle of El Alamein in North Africa against Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel.
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Oct 1942 - Nov 1942The Allies led by Bernard Montgomery win the Second Battle of El Alamein against Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel.
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Nov 1942 - May 1943The Tunisia Campaign, where the Allies definitively defeat the Axis forces in North Africa.
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18 Feb 1943 - 22 Feb 1943Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel defeat the Allies at the Battle of Kasserine Pass.
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13 May 1943Axis forces in North Africa surrender to the Allies.
