Desert Rats Collection

The 8th Army commander Bernard Law Montgomery, 1942. Artists: Sir John Alexander Hammerton, Unknown
The 8th Army commander Bernard Law Montgomery, 1942. Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein (1887-1976), nicknamed Monty and the Spartan General

The remains of a Crusader tank close to the scene of the El Alamein battlefield 29th May 1976

Two Cutie
Tantoyensen

The remains of a Vickers Mk VIB light tank close to the scene of the El Alamein battlefield 29th May 1976

Back cover of The Eighth Army, 1944. The Eighth Army was a field army and one of the best-known formations of the British Army during the Second World War

On the Tripoli road, c1942 (1944)
On the Tripoli Road. The gun is firing at an enemy strongpoint delaying the advance. In the foreground a wounded gunner is tended by one of his comrades, c1942 (1944)

Benghazi ahead, 1942 (1944)
Benghazi ahead. The Army and the Air Force advanced hand in hand. Here a Honey tank, outdistancing its own supply vehicles, draws petrol from an RAF bowser, c1942 (1944)

The Raiders 1942 (1944)
The Raiders. South Africans listen to their orders for the dangerous raid through the enemy lines to El Daba on 3 November, 1942 (1944)

The tank crews prepare... 1942 (1944). Soldiers of the British 8th Army preparing for the Battle of El Alamein. From The Eighth Army [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1944]

The Plans Are Perfected, 1942 (1944)
The Plans Are Perfected. General Montgomery confers with officers of the 9th Australian Division, 1942 (1944). Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein (1887-1976)

August at Alamein, 1942 (1944)
August at Alamein. The Prime Minister comes to see the men of the Eighth Army. He is with General Freyberg, New Zealand Commander, 1942 (1944)

General Alexander, commander of British forces in North Africa, 1942 (1944). General Harold Alexander (1891-1969) was appointed Commander-in-Chief of Middle East Forces following Prime Minister

General Auchinleck decided the army will stand at Alamein, 1942 (1944). Field Marshal Sir Claude John Eyre Auchinleck (1884-1981)

Ambulance men with a wounded anti-tank gunner, c1942 (1944). A wounded soldier of the British Eighth Army in the North African desert. From The Eighth Army

The Meeting at El Duda. On 26 November the Tobruk garrison took El Duda, 1941 (1944). The Siege of Tobruk lasted for 241 days

Maps and plans are spread on the sand, 1942 (1944)
Maps and plans are spread on the sand as the Brigadier takes his decisions and gives his orders, 1942 (1944). At the beginning of November 1942 the Eighth Army defeated Rommel in the decisive Second

Busy Scenes in Benghazi, 1943. Here we see stores being unloaded for allied troops. During the Battle of El Alamein 66 miles from Alexandria, Egypt, British troops led by General Bernard Montgomery

Severe problems faced the tank crews, c1941 (1944)
Severe problems faced the tank crews. The German Mark III was greatly superior in fire power, c1941 (1944). The Panzerkampfwagen III, commonly known as the Panzer III

As the Desert Rats are digging in the heat of the Saudi Desert they are digging the Challenger 2 tanks out of the snow at the Vickers factory in Leeds

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"Desert Rats: The Heroes of North Africa" In the scorching sands of the desert, a legendary force emerged during World War II. Led by the brilliant 8th Army commander Bernard Law Montgomery, these brave soldiers became known as the Desert Rats. Their remarkable story is captured in vivid detail through captivating artwork by Sir John Alexander Hammerton and other unknown artists. On the back cover of "The Eighth Army, " published in 1944, their indomitable spirit shines through. With determination etched on their faces, they march forward on the Tripoli road, ready to face any challenge that comes their way. Benghazi looms ahead, a symbol of victory within reach. "The Raiders" showcases their audacity and fearlessness as they strike deep behind enemy lines. In another gripping image titled "Close-up of a great battle, " Australian troops display compassion even amidst chaos by bringing in a wounded prisoner. Amidst relentless battles, gunners patiently wait for orders in "and the gunners wait. " Tank crews prepare themselves for combat with unwavering resolve in "The tank crews prepare. . " These snapshots depict not only their bravery but also highlight meticulous planning and preparation evident in "The Plans Are Perfected. " August at Alamein captures an iconic moment when hope was rekindled. It portrays resilience against all odds as General Alexander commands British forces with strategic brilliance. General Auchinleck's decision to stand firm at Alamein becomes pivotal; it marks a turning point where these valiant warriors refuse to yield. Through this collection of images from 1942-1944, we witness firsthand how these Desert Rats transformed adversity into triumphs amidst harsh conditions and unrelenting enemies. They embody courage personified - ordinary men turned heroes who fought relentlessly for freedom and justice.