On March 22, the 1st Division, after the liberation of Gafsa, took positions east of El Guettar.

For the first time, the soldiers of the "Big Red One" were finally going to fight as a solid formation under the command of Gen. Allen.

With just the remnants of the Italian division "Centauro", General Patton was about to recommend Allen to attack, but soon the staff reached the news of the German 10th Division coming up from the east.
In this situation it was necessary to take defensive positions and prepare for the reception of the Germans.

