Desert Rat 1940–43
British and Commonwealth troops in North Africa
*Users in the USA and Canada please select your location at the top of this page to see prices in your currency. Users in the UK and the Rest of the World will be billed in UK£
About this book
The Desert Rats earned their famous nickname fighting against Axis forces in North Africa. At first the name referred to troops of the 7th Armoured Division, but later expanded to cover all Commonwealth troops: British, Australian, New Zealand and Indian, who fought in the desert from 1940–43. This book opens with a look at the unique conditions that the Desert Rats encountered in the Western Desert, then examines the recruitment and training of the men, and the evolving fighting methods and training of what eventually became the Eighth Army. Using photographs and newly commissioned artwork, the book also covers the distinctive dress, equipment and weapons carried into battle by the Desert Rats.
Contents
- Introduction
- Chronology
- Recruitment
- Enlistment
- Training
- Appearance
- Equipment
- Conditions of Service
- On Campaign
- Belief and Belonging
- Experience of Battle
- The end of the war in North Africa and assessment of the Desert Rats
- Collecting
- Museums
- Re-enactment
- Bibliography
- Glossary
- Index
Paperback; November 2011; 64 pages; ISBN: 9781849085014