The Battle of El Alamein, fought in two distinct phases in 1942, was a decisive turning point in the North African Campaign of World War II. Taking place near the Egyptian railway halt of El Alamein, the battle pitted the Axis forces of Germany and Italy against the Allied forces, primarily comprised of British Commonwealth and Free French troops. The first battle (July 1-27) saw the Axis advance on Alexandria halted, while the second battle (October 23 - November 4), launched by the Allies under General Bernard Montgomery, resulted in a decisive Allied victory. This victory effectively ended Axis hopes of capturing Egypt and gaining control of the Suez Canal, marking a turning point that ultimately led to the expulsion of Axis forces from North Africa.