Today in World War II History—October 23, 1942

Australian soldiers running toward the front lines during reenactment of Second Battle of El Alamein, 24 Oct 1942 (Imperial War Museum: 4700-32 E 18474)
80 Years Ago—Oct. 23, 1942: Second Battle of El Alamein begins: British Eighth Army under Gen. Bernard Montgomery breaks through German defenses in Egypt.
First detachment of Western Task Force departs Hampton Roads, VA, for landings in Morocco.
Eleanor Roosevelt arrives in Britain for a three-week visit, in which she promises soldiers warmer socks and faster mail.

King George VI, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Queen Elizabeth, in London, England, 23 Oct 1942 (US National Archives: ARC 195320)