The Enemy

The enemy still looked on the American front as the more dangerous for the moment, partly because of the terrain, and partly because, although it had been correctly estimated that Eighth Army would attack at night to gain a breach through which the armour could be passed, the attack was not expected until the first favourable moon, 15 April. On 3 April 21 Panzer Division joined 10 Panzer Division in the Maknassy area, and the combined divisions counter-attacked and gained some ground. Even on ‘D’ day, 6 April, the enemy resistance on this front remained strong. Although the American advance did not achieve all that had been hoped, it attracted two of the most dangerous foes away from the Akarit front, and some part in the subsequent victory can be claimed for it.