The Second Battle of El Alamein in the Second World War took place near a ruined monastery, which stood over the grave of St Menas, a Roman-era martyr. The Allies chose the place for military reasons, but the saint had been buried there back in the fourth century because the camels of his funeral cortege would go no further.

Shortly after the battle began, at night on October 23rd, 1942, some Greek soldiers in the Allied lines seemed to see St Menas ride up from the monastery behind them and into the enemy lines. A few hours later the Axis forces suffered a catalogue of mishaps, and tens of thousands of them surrendered, leading to victory for the Allies and a turning point in the whole war.

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