This well researched and well written book covers the early campaigns and battles that earned The Desert Rats their fame and name. This volume covers the difficult early years when ultimate victory was less than certain. The Nazis were victorious on many fronts and Britain stood alone. Indeed it was at El Alamein that 7 Armoured Division and the rest of Montgomery's Eighth Army turned the tide. The church bells rang out in Britain and a new spirit was born. But much fighting lay ahead and many were to die. The successful completion of the North African campaign led to the invasion of Sicily and the long slog up Italy. The Desert Rats were at the forefront of these campaigns. Three Victoria Crosses were won in the desert and many famous names were associated with the Division, such as Field Marshal Lord Carver and Major General Pip Roberts. The Division's story is told by many first hand contributions and is the result of painstaking research by the author who was also a 'Desert Rat'. AUTHOR: A former soldier and wine merchant, Patrick Delaforce has written over 20 military history books including Wellington Le Beau, Smashing the Atlantic Wall, Monty's Highlanders and Monty's Marauders (all published by Pen and Sword Books Ltd. SELLING POINTS: * 7th Armoured Division, the Desert Rats, was the most famous British fighting formation of WW2 and remains a household name. * Covers the Desert Rats' early name-making campaigns, particularly in North Africa. * Foreword by Major General Patrick Cordingley DSO, commander of the Desert Rats in Kuwait/Iraq, and now a well known commentator and speaker. * The first of two volumes the second covering NW Europe will follow in 2010. ILLUSTRATIONS illustrated