Battle of the Litani River

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v • d • e Syria-Lebanon Campaign Litani River – Kissoué – Merdjayoun– Jezzine – Damascus – Palmyra – Deir ez Zor – Damour – Beirut

Battle of the Litani River (9 June 1941) - As part of the advance on Beirut in the Syria-Lebanon campaign of World War II, the Australian 7th Division, commanded by Major-General Arthur "Tubby" Allen, first had to cross the Litani River.

On 8 June, the 21st Australian Brigade attempted to cross the Litani River on the coast road heading for Beirut. The crossing was stubbornly contested by the Vichy French. Australian artillery had to drive off Vichy French warships which had come inshore to shell the Australian positions.

On 9 June, because the bridge over the Litani River was destroyed by Vichy French troops, two platoons of the Australian 7th Division had to cross the Litani River in canvas boats. They captured several Vichy French positions on the far shore.

British No.11 Commando, under the command of Paddy Mayne, successfully led the crossing of the Litani River.

[edit] See also

• Syria-Lebanon campaign

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