7th Armoured Brigade (United Kingdom)
The 7th Armoured Brigade was an armoured brigade formation of the British Army. The brigade is also known as the "Desert Rats", a nickname formerly held by the 7th Armoured Division, of which the brigade formed a part during the Second World War until late 1941.
Two Sherman tanks of the 6th Royal Tank Regiment in action against German machine gun positions on the walls of San Marino, during the Battle of San Marino, September 1944.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (C Squadron) during live fire training exercises on Bergen-Hohne Training Area (Germany) near the Fallingbostel station
Sign at the Celle Station of the 7th Armoured Brigade, 2012
7th Armoured Division (United Kingdom)
The 7th Armoured Division was an armoured division of the British Army. It was formed as the Mobile Division (Egypt) on 27 September 1938, after increased tensions between Britain and the Axis powers. This was part of an effort to reinforce and maintain the British strategic presence in Egypt to defend the Suez Canal, which was seen as vital to the British Empire's interests. In February 1940, the formation was renamed as the 7th Armoured Division. During its early years, the jerboa was adopted as the mascot and divisional insignia giving rise to the nickname Desert Rats.
7th Armoured Division (United Kingdom)
Mk VI light tanks and lorries of the 8th Hussars, assembled prior to a desert exercise, 5 June 1940.
A 2-pounder anti-tank gun being manned by members of the 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own), 24 March 1942.
Infantrymen of the 1/6th Battalion, Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) marching into Tobruk, Libya, 18 November 1942.