Medenine

Town in Tunisia, south of the Gabes Gulf; site of German field marshal Rommel's final effort of the North African campaign of World War II.

It was occupied by the British in January 1943 and used as a forward supply and rest area. Rommel decided that an attack would disrupt Montgomery's plans for advancing further but deciphered messages warned the British and when Rommel attacked on 6 March 1943 he was met by a fierce artillery barrage which shredded his infantry and powerful anti-tank defences which destroyed over 50 of his tanks. This was the last straw for Rommel, and he withdrew, resigned his command, and returned to Germany.