Formed from the Western Desert Force in 1941, the British 8th Army comprised men from across the British Commonwealth - British, New Zealanders, Australians, Indians and South Africans.

Following early successes against the Italians in North Africa, the 8th Army suddenly faced a new, more deadly foe - the Deutsches Afrika Korps led by their mercurial commander, Erwin Rommel. Thus began a series of operations with Allied and Axis forces being pushed back hundreds of miles only to regain that territory and more, with battles at El Alamein, Tobruk and Beda Fomm becoming legendary.

With the Allied victory in North Africa, the fighting soon encompassed Sicily and then the very heartland of Italy itself.

The vast open expanses of the western desert made for a war of manoeuvre and out-manoeuvre where reconnaissance became vital. Scouting patrols were vital to the success of operations - these two universal carriers packed with brave 8th Army infantry are just the thing to show Jerry they can't have it all their own way!

Contains two plastic universal carriers with metal British 8th Army crew, 12 plastic multi-pose 8th Army infantry, Bolt Action stat card, vehicle damage markers and full-colour decal sheet.