Tank Warfare: Operation Pugilist

The British spring offensive in Eastern Tunisia began with an attempt to break through the Mareth defensive line at the front. After a massive bombardment and fire raid, British troops, including the 50th Northumberland Infantry Division and the 50th Royal Tank Regiment, launched an attack on the coastal part of the Mareth line fortifications. Infantry of the 8th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry Regiment, crossed the Zigzau River and captured two small bridgeheads on the left bank: Ouerzi and Ksiba West. The main obstacle to continuing the offensive was the Zigzau River, which had flooded after the rains. The crossings for heavy vehicles were destroyed by the flow of water, which made it difficult for heavy vehicles to cross.

• Two operations of 12 moves for each side (Mareth Line, 22-23 March 1943).
• A detailed recreation of the terrain covering an area of over 100 square kilometers: the sea coast, strongholds and oases, a desert with rugged terrain and long ravines.
• Historical staffing levels of units at the time of the offensive.