Remembering “the end of the beginning” - the weekend’s El Alamein ceremony in photos

Officials from more than 30 nations marked the 75th anniversary of one of the most significant battles of the Second World War at a ceremony in the CWGC’s El Alamein Cemetery in Egypt on Saturday.

Alamein marked the moment when the tide of war began to turn against Nazi Germany. The victory won by Commonwealth forces and their allies in the deserts of North Africa in 1942 was described by Winston Churchill as "…not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning". 

Saturday’s commemoration was attended by President Sisi of Egypt, as well as high-ranking dignitaries from Australia, Germany, Italy, Greece, New Zealand, India and South Africa. Multinational Force Observers currently based in Sinai (including British, Australian and New Zealand troops) also attended. Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, the Right Honourable Alistair Burt MP; Vice Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Gordon Messenger; Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Vice Chairman of the CWGC; and British ambassador to Egypt, His Excellency Ambassador John Casson attended on behalf of the United Kingdom.

His Excellency Ambassador John Casson said: “Today former enemies have come together to reflect on the past and remember the sacrifices made 75 years ago. We now stand together, in partnership with Egypt, in order to build a prosperous and democratic future.’’

The ceremony was coordinated by the British Embassy on behalf of all nations who took part in the battle.