Minifigure – British soldier of the famed 7th Armoured Division Desert Rats North African Campaign of World War II (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays a toy minifigure representing a British soldier of the famed 7th Armoured Division, famously nicknamed the “Desert Rats,” during the North African Campaign of World War II.

The soldier is depicted in the khaki drill uniform issued to British and Commonwealth troops for combat in hot climates. He wears a Mk II Brodie helmet, and his uniform is fitted with the Pattern 1937 (P’37) Web Equipment used to carry ammunition and supplies. On his upper arm is a patch representing the division’s iconic insignia: a red jerboa, or “desert rat.”

He is armed with a toy replica of the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle, the standard firearm for British infantrymen during the war.

Historical Background: The 7th Armoured Division was one of the most famous British Army formations of the Second World War. Earning the nickname “The Desert Rats” for their tenacity and skill in desert warfare, they fought in the North African Campaign from its beginning in 1940 until the final Axis surrender in Tunisia in 1943. They played a crucial role in pivotal battles such as Operation Crusader and the Second Battle of El Alamein under the command of General Bernard Montgomery. While an armored division is known for its tanks, it relies on integrated infantry units (called motor battalions) to hold ground and support the armor. This figure represents one of those tough, experienced infantry soldiers who fought and earned their reputation in the harsh conditions of the desert.