Entry
The Battle of Bir Hakeim — The Free French stand in the desert, 26 May – 11 June 1942
At a lost waterhole of the Libyan desert, Kœnig’s three thousand seven hundred Free French held sixteen days against Rommel’s assaults, then broke out by night — the world learned that France still fought. De Gaulle wrote to Kœnig: « Know, and tell your troops, that all France is watching you and that you are her pride. » (Editorial synthesis)
The Battle of Bir Hakeim began on 26 May 1942. (source: Ministère des Armées)
The Battle of Bir Hakeim ended on 11 June 1942. (source: Ministère des Armées)
2 commanders are recorded for the Battle of Bir Hakeim: Marie-Pierre Kœnig (Free French Forces) and Erwin Rommel (Afrikakorps). (source: Ministère des Armées)
The Battle of Bir Hakeim ended in sixteen days held, the fighting breakout — Free France proved in arms. (source: Ministère des Armées)
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