VetFriends Members: 3,064,780

 
JOIN NOW

History of 8th Army

The 8th Army is a distinguished field army with a storied history, most notably within the British Army during World War II. Formed in September 1941, it played a pivotal role in the North African Campaign, achieving a decisive victory at the Second Battle of El Alamein under General Bernard Montgomery. The 8th Army continued its advance through Tunisia, contributing to the Axis defeat in Africa, and subsequently participated in the invasions of Sicily and Italy. The unit became renowned for its multinational composition and its contributions to Allied victories across multiple theaters of war.

Members

Load More

Gallery

More Unit Photos

ABOUT 8th Army

  • Formation in World War II: The British Eighth Army was formed in September 1941 during World War II in the Middle East, becoming one of the most famous Allied field armies.
  • Nickname - "Desert Rats": The Eighth Army earned the nickname "Desert Rats" due to their campaigns in the North African desert, although this nickname originally referred to the 7th Armoured Division.
  • Leadership of Montgomery: Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery famously took command of the Eighth Army in August 1942, leading it to victory at the Second Battle of El Alamein.
  • El Alamein Victory: The Eighth Army's victory at the Second Battle of El Alamein in November 1942 marked a significant turning point in the North African Campaign.
  • Multinational Force: The Eighth Army was a truly multinational force, including British, Australian, New Zealand, South African, Indian, Polish, French, Greek, and other Allied troops.
  • Long March: The Eighth Army advanced over 2,000 miles from El Alamein in Egypt to Tunis in Tunisia, pursuing Axis forces across North Africa.
  • Italian Campaign: After North Africa, the Eighth Army played a key role in the Allied invasion of Sicily and the Italian mainland, including the difficult battles at Monte Cassino.
  • Famous Insignia: The Eighth Army's insignia featured a gold cross of St. George on a red shield.
  • Postwar Service: After World War II, the Eighth Army served as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan.
  • Legacy: The Eighth Army's campaigns are celebrated for their innovation in desert warfare and combined-arms operations, influencing military tactics for decades.

Army Best Sellers

Go To Store