The Desert Rats: The 7th Armoured Division, 1938 to 1945

By: Maj.-Gen. G. L. Verney

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Synopsis: The exploits of the Desert Rats, based on official records and personal accounts traces the division’s progress in North Africa, Italy, Normandy and GermanyThis classic and inspiring account follows the progress of the 7th Armoured Division from the sands of North Africa to the cold of wintery Holland and the mud of a German springtime, providing a unique insight into the workings of a formidable unit.The division’s reputation was born in the desert. It first went into action against the Italians in 1940 and then, subsequently, fought Rommel’s Afrika Korps in Montgomery’s successful Western Desert campaign.It was during this period of intense fighting that the division won its affectionate nickname of ‘Desert Rats’.From there the division was transported to Italy and, later, Normandy and from then on was almost constantly in battle until the end of the war.Based on official records, and written by one of the division’s key officers, The Desert Rats stands testament to the unique morale of the unit and is an enduring story of the difficulties they had to overcome.