Operations on the Libyan Frontier, June to November, 1940

On 10th June Italy declared war. On the same day the 1st Battalion arrived at Sidi Barrani and within a few days "D" Company had the satisfaction of playing a leading part in the first brush with the enemy —the attack and capture of Fort Capuzzo with all its garrison, an operation which was entirely successful, with small casualties.

Desert Mobile Columns

During the subsequent reconnaissance in force by the Italians and our withdrawal east of Sidi Barrani, the Desert Mobile Columns came into being. These generally comprised one motor company with a troop or battery of 25-pounders, R.H.A. Their role of harassing, delaying and observing was ideally suited to Riflemen. From these operations up to the late summer of 1942, except for the Battle of Sidi Rezegh, motor companies were continually operating in Desert Mobile Columns or under the command of armoured regiments. The Battalion operation was unusual at this time and the experience gained in this type of warfare by company commanders was of the greatest value.

The Desert Rats

The Desert Rat (actually a jerboa found in the desert) was adopted as the badge of the 7th Armoured Brigade early in 1940. The name and the badge became a proud distinction in the Eighth Army, and there was no period of the desert war when one or more Greenjacket battalions were not wearing it. The badge, scarlet in colour, was worn by the Brigade and was later adopted by the 7th Armoured Division.

Destruction of the Italian Army — December, 1940

General Wavell's first offensive for Cyrenaica opened on 9th December, 1940. The 1st Battalion operating on the left flank of the Armoured Division was able to ensure the success of operations at Bardia and Tobruk by cutting the enemy's line of retreat to the west. The Battalion assisted in the capture of several thousand Italians with tanks and guns south of Benghazi. It eventually reached the most forward point west of Agedabia, taking a major part in this campaign which resulted in the capture of 125,000 Italian soldiers and the destruction of the Italian army.

Some idea of the distances covered in these operations can be gained by these two instances. One company on a " cutting-off" expedition from Agedabia covered 250 miles of desert in forty-eight hours, mostly at night. The Battalion on its return to Cairo for a hurried rest covered 760 miles in seven days.