History Extra podcast WW2's Tunisian campaign: the Stalingrad of Africa
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Dec 3, 2025 Saul David, a military historian and author of the upcoming book *Tunisgrad: Victory in Africa*, discusses the often-overlooked Tunisian campaign of World War II. He highlights its strategic importance, arguing it was a turning point on par with Stalingrad. David delves into the 1942 Allied strategies, Mussolini's ambitions, and the challenges faced during Operation Torch. He shares insights on troop dynamics and the eventual Axis defeat, emphasizing how Tunisia shaped Allied morale and future campaigns.
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Tunisian Campaign Was Strategically Central
- The Tunisian campaign has been treated as peripheral despite occurring alongside other major 1942 operations.
- Saul David argues it was likely the most effective Allied option in 1942 and crucial to weakening Axis power.
Mussolini's Gamble And Operation Compass
- Mussolini entered the war in June 1940 aiming to expand a new Roman Empire in North Africa.
- Early Italian overreach led to Operation Compass and dramatic British gains before German intervention under Rommel.
Tunisia's Geographic Importance
- Tunisia's geographic position made it the strategic prize for control of Mediterranean sea lanes and a springboard to Sicily.
- Allies deliberately landed farther west to reduce exposure but risked losing the race for Tunis to Axis reinforcements.
