Formed from the Western Desert Force in 1941, the British 8th Army was composed of troops from across the British Commonwealth—British, New Zealanders, Australians, Indians, and South Africans. Initially achieving victories against the Italians in North Africa, the 8th Army soon confronted a new and formidable adversary—the Deutsches Afrika Korps led by the charismatic commander, Erwin Rommel. This marked the beginning of a series of operations where Allied and Axis forces alternately advanced and retreated over hundreds of miles. Legendary battles at El Alamein, Tobruk, and Beda Fomm ensued, culminating in the Allied triumph in North Africa, followed by campaigns in Tunisia and Italy.
Enduring harsh conditions including scorching daytime heat, choking dust, and freezing nights, alongside engagements with German and Italian forces, the 8th Army became famously known as the 'Desert Rats'—a nickname originally belonging to the 7th Armoured Division, a pivotal element of the Western Desert Force.
This boxed set contains a multitude of parts and options allowing you to field soldiers as diverse as British, Sikh, Punjabi, Mosselman or Scottish. Just the job to tackle Rommel's Afrika Korps or Mussolini's Italians!
British 8th Army contains:
Enough plastic components to make 30 British Commonwealth miniatures. Includes a host of options to allow for different weapon configurations and command models.
Equipment included: Lee Enfield rifle, Thompson submachine gun, Bren gun LMG, Boys anti-tank rifle, Webley pistol and 2-inch mortar.
Plastic bases.
Construction leaflet.
Optional Indian (Sikh, Punjabi and Yusufzai) and Scottish Highlander heads.
