Miracle at El Alamein, first published in 1943 as Mediterranean Assignment is British journalist Richard McMillan's first-hand account of World War Two in North Africa and Greece during 1940-1942. He was the first war correspondent to be licensed by the British Expeditionary Forces (BEF), and accompanied British forces in most of their campaigns in the European and African theaters of the war. He details the strategy, tactics, and on-the-ground fighting of Field-Marshal Montgomery's forces versus those of German General Erwin Rommel through the early setbacks to the final defeat of the Afrika Korps at El Alamein. McMillan's clear and descriptive writing make the conflict in the Mediterranean region understandable, while bringing to life the experiences of the fighting soldier as well. The role of Allied air forces and navies in the Mediterranean theater are also detailed, with vivid descriptions of the author's experiences while on-board aircraft or ships.
McMillan, a long-time European United Press correspondent, later went on to land with British troops in the Normandy invasion France. While covering the assault on Cherbourg he was wounded in the back by shrapnel. After a short time in England to recovery, he returned to France and reported on the liberation of Paris, and remained with Allied troops as they advanced on the Rhine and into Germany.
