Desert Rats

The "Desert Rats" was the nickname for the British and Commonwealth troops who fought in North Africa during World War II, especially in the Western Desert Campaign. They earned this moniker due to their resilience and effectiveness fighting in the harsh desert environment. Their most notable engagement was the Battle of El Alamein in 1942, which was a turning point defeating Axis forces led by Germany's Afrika Korps. The Desert Rats became known for their skill, adaptability, and bravery in a challenging, arid terrain, significantly contributing to the Allied victory in North Africa.