Today in World War II History—September 7, 1942

Australian troops passing abandoned Japanese tanks at Milne Bay, New Guinea, September 1942 (US Army Center of Military History)

80 Years Ago—Sept. 7, 1942: In Egypt, Battle of Alam Halfa Ridge ends when Germans under Rommel are forced back almost to their original positions and Montgomery pauses to prepare for the offensive.

Australians give Japanese their first land defeat of WWII, as organized resistance ends at Milne Bay, New Guinea.