The British 8th Army was one of the best-known formations of the
British Army during World War II, fighting in the North Africa and Italian campaigns.
It was a British formation, always commanded by British officers, however its personnel came from throughout the British Empire and Commonwealth; complemented by units composed of exiles from Nazi-occupied Europe. Subordinate units came from Australia, British India, Canada, Free French Forces, Greece, New Zealand, Poland, Rhodesia, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Its most notable commander was Lieutenant-General Bernard Montgomery.
British 8th Army in Days of Infamy
The British 8th Army was engaged in a death struggle with the German and Italian forces in North Africa when the Japanese invaded and conquered Hawaii. Footage of their losses in battle were screened for the residents during the occupation. During the last days of 1942, the 8th Army along with their American allies launched a counter offensive that finally defeated the Germans and Italians, turning the tide of the war in their favour.
British 8th Army in The War That Came Early
After the 1941 British Military Coup, the Italians chose to attack the British 8th Army in Egypt. The British in turn, struck back and forced the Italians back into Libya. The Italian Army proved unable to stop them, retreating back into their major supply city of Tobruk. In spite of the inept opposition the Italians gave, the English generals proved slow in attacking the city, giving the Germans time to arrive and blunt the army's advance on the city.
British 8th Army in Worldwar
The British 8th Army was fighting the Germans and the Italians for control of Libya when the Race invaded in mid 1942. Hopelessly outmatched in the desert against the Lizards, the 8th Army was defeated and forced out of North Africa and back across the Suez Canal and into the Middle East.
Throughout the war with the Race, the Army was able to hold in position in the Middle East, fighting not only the Race, but Jewish Rebels under the leadership of Menachem Begin. In 1944, Begin sought help from the Race in expelling the British from Palestine. They agreed the Race invaded the Middle East. With help from their Jewish allies, the Race was able to soundly the British there, driving them out completely.
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