Gladiators of WWII - The Desert Rats

This episode in the BBC documentary series "Gladiators of WW2" focuses on the 7th Armoured Division of the British Army, known as 'The Desert Rats'. Originally formed as 'Mobile Division' in Egypt following the Suez Canal opening in 1904, it was meant to increase British strength in the area. On 16.2.40, the Mobile Division became the 7th Armoured Division. The Desert Rat divisional flash was adopted about the same time. It originated from a sketch of a jerboa drawn by the divisional commander's wife after a visit to the Cairo Zoo. After the Italian declaration of war, the 'Rats' took part in most of the major battles of the North African Campaign against Italian and German troops under the command of General Erwin Rommel (Afrika Korps), including both Battles of El Alamein. It also participated in the destruction of Axis forces in North Africa in Tunisia in 1943. The division was not an assault force in the invasion of Sicily but did participate extensively in the battle for Italy. After the invasion to Normandy in June 44, the 7th Armoured Division served with distinction in clearing routes and then attacking Caen. Although regarded as an elite formation, by this time the units were becoming seriously burnt out. Its performances in Normandy and the rest of France did not match those of its earlier campaigns. However, it took part in the liberation of Belgium, the Netherlands and northern Germany. In January 45 it took part in Operation Blackcock to clear the Roer Triangle. The Division remained in Germany as part of the occupation forces and then into the 1950s as part of the British Army of the Rhine standing watch against the Warsaw Pact. The Division's long and illustrious career finally came to an end in this fashion, in April 58, when it was converted into 5th Division. However, the traditions of 7th Armoured Division are maintained by 7th Armoured Brigade, which forms part of 1 (UK) Division.