The Battle of Tunisia, 1943 | Battle for Bizerte | Easy Red 2

Battle for Bizerte
5/7/43

The Battle for Bizerte was one of the final actions of the Tunisia Campaign, occurring in early May 1943, as Allied forces sought to eliminate the last Axis strongholds in North Africa. Bizerte, a strategic port city on Tunisia’s northern coast, was heavily defended by German and Italian units retreating from positions further south, including the Enfidaville Line and the approaches through Mateur and the surrounding hills. The city’s fortifications, combined with coastal terrain and well-prepared Axis artillery positions, made a direct assault challenging. Capturing Bizerte was critical for the Allies to secure a deep-water port, prevent Axis evacuation by sea, and fully control northern Tunisia.

The battle involved coordinated operations by the U.S. II Corps, supported by British Eighth Army elements and naval artillery. Allied forces advanced through heavily defended ridges and urban outskirts, facing determined German and Italian resistance that included entrenched infantry, machine-gun nests, and counterattacks. Progress was gradual but relentless, with key positions such as Mateur and surrounding heights falling first, isolating Bizerte. On 7 May 1943, Allied troops finally entered the city, forcing the surrender of the remaining Axis defenders. The capture of Bizerte, along with Tunis, effectively ended the North African Campaign, removing the last Axis foothold and allowing the Allies to consolidate control of the entire region before turning their focus to Sicily.