Battle Honour - "Damour", 1941

The Battle of Damour was the final significant engagement of the Australian campaign in Syria and Lebanon during World War II. Damour, a large town on the Lebanese coast about 30 km south of Beirut, was strategically important due to the Wadi Damour, the last natural barrier before reaching Beirut.
The operation, led by Major General Arthur "Tubby" Allen of the 7th Australian Division, aimed to encircle the French forces in Damour. It began on the night of 5 July 1941, with Australian troops crossing the Damour River. By 6 July, the 21st Brigade had captured key positions, including El Atiqa and El Boum.
On 7 July, the Australians outflanked Damour from the east and cut off the road to Beirut by 8 July. Simultaneously, southern forces advanced along the coastal road. By 9 July, the Australians entered Damour as French forces withdrew.
The campaign concluded when the Vichy French commander, General Henri Dentz, sought an armistice on 8 July. A ceasefire took effect on 12 July, marking the end of the Syrian-Lebanese campaign.