British X Corps
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The X Corps was a British Army formation active in Flanders in World War I and reformed in 1942 during the North African campaign.
In 1917, X Corps, under Lt General Stephens, formed a part of the Second Army and comprised 29th and 30th Divisions.
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[edit] North Africa
In North Africa, in 1942, General Bernard Montgomery decided to form a mobile corps to exploit infantry breakthroughs. To this end, X Corps was formed with two armoured divisions (1st and 10th) with parts of a third (8th) divided between them, and the New Zealand Division.Its first commander was General Herbert Lumsden, albeit not Montgomery's preferred choice. Lumsden was later sacked for a perceived reluctance to pursue the retreating Afrika Korps
X Corps were heavily involved at the Second Battle of El Alamein. The original plan was to be simultaneous attacks by XXX Corps and XIII Corps to clear corridors for X Corps' armour to exploit. Events affected the plan and on the 5th October, it was decided to attack simultaneously with both XXX and X Corps.
The New Zealanders rapidly captured Miteirya Ridge. While XIII Corps pressed forward, X Corps was to strike northwestwards to distract and defeat Rommel's Panzers. By 4th November, X Corps was in full pursuit, but then heavy rain bogged the armour down and Rommel escaped. The corps was active through the remainder of the campaign.
[edit] Italy
In Italy, it was commanded by General Richard McCreery. At the landings at Salerno, Italy on 9 September 1943, X Corps comprised part of General Mark Clark's US Fifth Army.
It also fought at Cassino.
[edit] External links
[edit] References
Keegan, John (1991). Churchill's Generals. London: Cassell, pp 153-155. ISBN 0-304-36712-5.
