Tank Warfare with the Desert Rats: An Epic Journey Through North Africa in World War II

The Desert Rats were a legendary British armored division that fought with distinction in North Africa during World War II. Formed in 1940, the division was initially equipped with light tanks and armored cars, but it was soon upgraded to heavier tanks, including the Sherman Firefly and the Churchill. The Desert Rats fought in a number of key battles in North Africa, including the Battle of El Alamein and the Battle of Tunis. They also played a major role in the Allied invasion of Italy and the liberation of France.

Take These Men: Tank Warfare with the Desert Rats

by Cyril Joly

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3333 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	366 pages
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The Desert Rats were known for their skill and courage in tank warfare. They were able to defeat the Axis forces in a number of battles, despite being outnumbered and outgunned. The division's success was due in part to its highly trained and experienced tanker crews. The Desert Rats also benefited from the support of the Royal Air Force, which provided them with air cover and reconnaissance.

The Desert Rats were a highly decorated unit. They were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor in the United Kingdom, on three occasions. The division was also awarded the Order of the Bath, the Order of the British Empire, and the Military Cross. The Desert Rats were disbanded in 1946, but their legacy lives on. The division's name is still used by a number of armored units in the British Army.

Formation and Early History

The Desert Rats were formed in 1940 as part of the British Army's response to the Italian invasion of Egypt. The division was initially equipped with light tanks and armored cars, but it was soon upgraded to heavier tanks, including the Sherman Firefly and the Churchill. The Desert Rats were commanded by Major-General Richard O'Connor, a highly experienced and respected officer.

The Desert Rats first saw action in the Battle of Sidi Barrani in December 1940. The division played a key role in the British victory, which marked the beginning of the Allied counteroffensive in North Africa. The Desert Rats continued to fight in a number of key battles in North Africa, including the Battle of El Alamein and the Battle of Tunis. They also played a major role in the Allied invasion of Italy and the liberation of France.

The Battle of El Alamein

The Battle of El Alamein was one of the most important battles of the North African campaign. The battle began on October 23, 1942, and lasted until November 4, 1942. The British Eighth Army, which included the Desert Rats, was facing the German Afrika Korps, which was commanded by General Erwin Rommel. The battle was a close-fought affair, but the British eventually emerged victorious.

The Desert Rats played a key role in the British victory at El Alamein. The division's tanks were able to break through the German lines and help to secure the Allied victory. The Desert Rats were also awarded the Victoria Cross for their actions at El Alamein.

The Liberation of France

After the Allied victory in North Africa, the Desert Rats were transferred to Italy. The division fought in a number of battles in Italy, including the Battle of Monte Cassino and the Battle of Anzio. The Desert Rats also played a major role in the Allied invasion of France in June 1944.

The Desert Rats were part of the British Second Army, which landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. The division fought its way through France and helped to liberate Paris in August 1944. The Desert Rats continued to fight in France until the end of the war in May 1945.

Legacy

The Desert Rats were a highly decorated unit. They were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor in the United Kingdom, on three occasions. The division was also awarded the Order of the Bath, the Order of the British Empire, and the Military Cross. The Desert Rats were disbanded in 1946, but their legacy lives on. The division's name is still used by a number of armored units in the British Army.

The Desert Rats are remembered as one of the most successful armored units in history. They fought with distinction in a number of key battles in World War II, and they played a major role in the Allied victory. The legacy of the Desert Rats is one of courage, skill, and determination.

Take These Men: Tank Warfare with the Desert Rats

by Cyril Joly

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3333 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	366 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE