The Desert Rats was the nickname of the 7th Armoured Division of the British Eighth Army, which first fought in North Africa during the Second World War (1939-45). Fighting in the Western Desert Campaigns and the North Africa Campaign, the Desert Rats, so called because of their jerboa shoulder flash, participated in such famous victories as the battles of El Alamein.
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Definition
Timeline
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9 Dec 1940 - 7 Feb 1941The Allied Operation Compass, which defeated Italian forces during the Western Desert Campaigns.
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Apr 1941 - Dec 1941The failed siege of Tobruk by Axis forces commanded by Erwin Rommel.
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May 1942 - Jun 1942The Battle of Gazala in Libya between Allied and Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel, the victor.
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1 Jul 1942 - 27 Jul 1942The Allies win the First Battle of El Alamein in North Africa against Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel.
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Oct 1942 - Nov 1942The Second Battle of El Alamein in North Africa between Allied forces led by Bernard Montgomery and Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel.
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Oct 1942 - Nov 1942The Allies led by Bernard Montgomery win the Second Battle of El Alamein against Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel.
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Nov 1942 - May 1943The Tunisia Campaign, where the Allies definitively defeat the Axis forces in North Africa.
