Desert Rats

How the 8th Army transformed its organization, equipment, and training to adapt to the brutal terrain of desert warfare and the lasting impact these changes had on the British Army.

Formed in September 1941 from the Western Desert Force, British 8th Army went on to wage a lengthy, hard-fought campaign against Axis forces across the deserts of North Africa. During its two-year period of service in North Africa, the 8th Army underwent major changes. This title looks at these changes.Formed in September 1941 from the Western Desert Force, British 8th Army (comprising British, Commonwealth, Free French and Polish troops) went on to wage a lengthy, hard-fought campaign against Axis forces across the deserts of North Africa. The Desert War was unlike any other fought by the British Army, involving highly mobile operations covering vast distances. The hot, unforgiving climate in which the troops lived and fought was almost as troublesome as the enemy. During its two-year period of service in North Africa, 8th Army underwent major changes in organization, equipment and training to accustom it to desert warfare.