35160 DESERT RAT - BRITISH SOLDIER WWII

The British 7th Armored Division, commonly known as the Desert Rats, was formed in Egypt in 1938. It was created mainly on the basis of the units of the Cavalry Brigade stationed in Cairo and the units of the 3rd Regiment of the Royal Horse Artillery. It was originally named the Egyptian Mobile Division, and its name changed in 1940. Its first commander was General Sir Percy Hobart. In 1940, there were 220 tanks in its ranks. The division underwent its baptism of fire in 1940 in the course of fights with the Italian troops, taking part in the North African campaign from its very beginning until 1943, constituting a very important element of the British 8th Army, as well as taking part in key battles of this campaign - primarily in both Battles of El-Alamein in 1942. After the victories in North Africa, the division took part in the initial period of fighting in Italy in the second half of 1943, and was later transferred to Great Britain to take part in Operation Overlord in June 1944. The division fought in France and later in the Netherlands and West Germany. In World War II, it ended its combat trail in Hamburg and Kiel.