Headquarters 7th Light Mechanised Brigade
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Our collection includes high-quality apparel, engraved glassware, commemorative keepsakes, and more—each item thoughtfully designed to reflect the proud history, heritage, and courage of HQ 7th Light Mechanised Brigade. Shop today to honour their service and be part of their enduring legacy!
A Brief History of the 7th Armoured Brigade
Origins and the Second World War
The origins of the 7th Armoured Brigade date back to 1938, when British garrison troops in Egypt were organised into the Light Armoured Brigade (Egypt) to support the newly formed Mobile Division. In February 1940, when the division was redesignated as the 7th Armoured Division, the brigade became the 7th Light Armoured Brigade, later dropping the word “Light” to become the 7th Armoured Brigade.
During the Second World War, the brigade became part of the famed “Desert Rats”, fighting with distinction in the North African campaign, including major operations such as Operation Crusader and the battles around Tobruk. In 1942, the brigade redeployed to Burma, where its vehicles were repainted green, earning the troops the informal nickname “Green Rats.”
Following its campaign in Burma, the brigade returned to the Middle East before joining the Italian campaign in 1944. It fought under I Canadian Corps during the advance through Italy, taking part in key operations including the battles for Monte Cassino and the Gothic Line. The brigade remained in Italy until the end of the war, contributing to the final Allied offensives in 1945.
Post-War and the Cold War Era
After the war, the original brigade was disbanded, but in 1946, the 22nd Armoured Brigade was redesignated as the 7th Armoured Brigade, preserving the lineage and traditions of the Desert Rats. Stationed in Germany as part of the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR), the brigade played a key role in NATO’s defence during the Cold War.
When the 7th Armoured Division was disbanded in 1958, the brigade adopted the famous “Desert Rats” insignia and nickname to continue the division’s legacy. Throughout the Cold War, it remained a vital armoured formation, later becoming part of the 1st Armoured Division and taking part in numerous NATO exercises and deployments across Europe.
Late 20th and Early 21st Century Operations
The 7th Armoured Brigade saw active service during the Gulf War (1990–91), playing a major role in the liberation of Kuwait. In the years that followed, the brigade deployed on peacekeeping operations in the Balkans, including Bosnia and Kosovo, contributing to international stability during the turbulent 1990s.
In 2003, the brigade was deployed once again to the Middle East as part of Operation Telic, the British contribution to the invasion of Iraq. The Desert Rats spearheaded the advance on Basra, capturing key objectives such as the city’s airport and vital bridges, and later took on stabilisation duties in southern Iraq.
Elements of the brigade also served in Afghanistan, where they supported operations in Helmand Province, Kandahar, and Kabul, most notably during their 2013 deployment.
Recent Developments and Current Role
As part of the Army 2020 restructuring plan, the British government announced in 2013 that the 7th Armoured Brigade would transition from a heavy armoured formation to a more flexible infantry role. In November 2014, the brigade was officially redesignated as the 7th Infantry Brigade, but it retained the proud Desert Rats insignia and heritage.
Today, the 7th Infantry Brigade continues to uphold the legacy of the Desert Rats within the modern British Army, embodying their enduring spirit of adaptability, courage, and professionalism across a new generation of operations and training.
