Desert Rats: Intelligence Handbook British Armoured Forces

In June 1940, the Italian dictator Mussolini declared war on Britain. From the Italian colony of Libya, his 250.000-strong army marched on Alexandria in Egypt. The 30.000 men of the Western Desert Force were heavily outnumbered and their equipment antiquated, yd the men were well trained and confident. The 7th Armoured Division, known as the 'Desert Rats', formed roving columns that harassed, and finally stopped the vast Italian army less than half-way to Alexandria.
In late 1940 the Western Desert Force, led by the Desert Rats, launched an audacious offensive code named Operation Compass. As the Italian army retreated, the Desert Rats slruck across the desert to cut the Italians off at Beda Fomm. It was a spectacular success capt­uring Benghazi and more than 130.000 prisoners, destroying Mussolini's dream of a new Roman Empire.
After the battle, the Desert Rats were withdrawn to re-equip. Their worn-out tanks and weary soldiers in need of" refitting and rest.