The capture of Sidon on 15 June 1941 advanced the Allied push along the Lebanese coast toward Beirut during the Syria-Lebanon campaign.
Key Facts
- Battle dates
- 13–15 June 1941
- Daylight advance distance
- 6.5 km over open ground to reach the town
- Exploitation advance
- 4.5 km north of Sidon after capture
- Town population (1941)
- Approximately 12,000 people
- Battle honours awarded
- 2/16th, 2/27th Infantry Battalions, 2/3rd MG Battalion, 6th & 9th Cavalry Regiments
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Allied crossing of the Litani River under Operation Exporter, the Australian 21st Brigade advanced north along the Lebanese coast. Preliminary moves by the 2/27th Infantry Battalion around Adloun and the 2/14th Battalion's coastal push set the stage for an assault on Sidon, a strategically positioned town roughly halfway between the Palestinian border and Beirut.
On 13 June 1941, the 2/16th Infantry Battalion, supported by artillery and cavalry, undertook a daylight advance of 6.5 kilometres across open ground toward Sidon. The presence of historic mosques and Crusader-era castles constrained the artillery bombardment to limit collateral damage. The Australians overcame a determined French counterattack including tanks, and French aircraft attacked Allied positions, before the town finally fell on 15 June.
With Sidon secured, Australian forces continued northward toward Damour, which fell in early July, maintaining momentum toward Beirut. The day after Sidon's fall, further fighting erupted around Meidelyoum and Jabal Aababy as Australians cut the Sidon–Jezzine road. Post-war, battle honours were awarded to several Australian units that participated in the engagement.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Brigadier Jack Stevens.
Side B
1 belligerent