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Formed in the late 1930's by famous armored theorist and general, Major General Percy Hobart, the " Desert Rats "became one of the
most famous divisions of World War II.
Originally titled the " Mobile Division " The 7th Armored became the backbone of the Western Desert Force. This force completely
routed the Italians in North Africa. General O' Conner completely outwitted the Italians and cut off most of their army. The
beginnings of the " Desert Rats " and the Western Desert Force looked promising.
General Erwin Rommel soon arrived and drove the British 8th Army back and forth until the First Battle of El Alamein. With the
steady weakening of Panzer Army Afrika, General Montgomery persuded Field Marshall Rommel to the border of Tunisia. The British
8th Army and the " Desert Rats " became famous with victory.
Along with most British units in Normandy near Caen, powerful Waffen SS units blunted The 7th Armored again and again. However,
the battle of attrition and Allied airpower turned the tide and the German Army was finally routed.
Currently, World War II's 7th Armored Division " Desert Rats " was reformed as the 7th Armored Brigade " Desert Rats," of the
1st UK Division. The " Desert Rats " found itself fighting in both Iraq wars.
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