Australia United Kingdom Vichy France The Battle of the Litani River (9 June 1941) took place on the advance to Beirut during the Syria-Lebanon campaign of the Second World War.

The Australian 7th Division, commanded by Major-General John Lavarack, crossed the Litani River and later clashed with Vichy French troops.

During the first hour of 8 June 1941, as part of Operation Exporter, Australian forces in northern Palestine crossed the border into southern Lebanon.

11 (Scottish) Commando, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Pedder (Highland Light Infantry), was attempted in order to seize the bridge near the mouth of the river, but was delayed by rough seas on the proposed landing beach.

He was succeeded in command by Geoffrey Keyes, whose party was ultimately able to secure the crossing by getting over the river in canvas boats with the help of some of the Australian troops.