In the late 1930s, the French chose an area near Mareth, Tunisia, to build a series of fortified positions stretching from the Mediterranean south-west to the Matmata Hills. The Mareth Line was originally designed to prevent Italian colonial forces entering Tunisia from Libya. During World War II, the Line was occupied by Axis forces, and used in an attempt to hold the Allied northward advance in 1943.
Today, many of the Mareth Line fortifications can still be seen. I had a fascinating time riding and exploring the Mareth Line, starting from the easternmost strongpoint on the coastal flats and ending with breath-taking views from the Matmata Hills.
With thanks to Martin Pickup www.martinpickup.com and Trevor Sheehan www.africanstalingrad.com for location details of defensive positions along the Line.
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