Western Desert Collection

The R. E. M. E. - Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers is the British Army
The R.E.M.E. - Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers is the British Armys newest corps. It has been in operation since October 1st, 1942

A Bren Carrier being guided through barbed wire during the first stages of the offensive against the Axis Forces in Libya, North Africa in World War Two. December 1941

Crusader tanks get ready for action in Tunisia during the North African campaign of World War Two. December 1942

British soldiers of General Andersons First Army at work on the telephone system which links up all the various companies of the battalion in the hills of North Africa. Issued: January 1943

Desert Squadron - planes of the Fleet Air Arm during the Second World War, c1943. The aircraft are Martlets...operating in the Western Desert with the Royal Air Force

Studies from Life at the Zoological Gardens (litho)
1598386 Studies from Life at the Zoological Gardens (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Studies from Life at the Zoological Gardens, Ruppells Vulture)

A British soldier reads the Sunday pictorial newspaper in some off-duty leisure time the desert of North Africa during the Second World War. Circa March 1943

Moving up to the front line. New Zealand infantry marching through the choking sand of the Western Desert. Circa 1943

British Army battery claims honour of the last shot on the Eighth Army battle front. The last shell in the hands of the man who fired it, Gunner Vernon Walker of Hampshire, Sussex

Before Bizerta fell to the Allied forces, a good deal of resistance had to be overcome in the streets of the town. French and US. troops fought battles in the streets all day long

American General Dwight D. Eisenhower, accompanied by General Henri Giraud, leader of the Free French Forces, inspects a Guard of Honour formed by British Army soldiers during victory celebrations in

Snow and heavy rainfall turned North African and Italian airfields into swamps, but the bad weather did not stop flying from these waterlogged fields

This British Hurricane aircraft has been presented by the RAF to the Major General commanding the Northern Red Fleet Air Arm, who is sitting in the cockpit of the plane. Circa 1943

Hurricane fighter planes, equipped with special anti-tank guns, accounted. for many enemy tanks in the Western Desert. Picture shows

Five topicalised Hurricane Mark IICs of No. 94 Squadron RAF based at El Gamil, Egypt, flying in loose starboard echelon formation

British tanks in the Western Desert. Pictured, these tanks (25 tons, 19 ft. length, Crew of 4. 1 two-pounder machine gun. Speed 15 mph) going up to the forward position in the Western Desert

RAF Halifax heavy bombers operating with the two Mediterranean Air Forces have not been prevented from attacking enemy targets although heavy rains have turned parts of their airfields into huge

The worlds greatest traffic jam - Rommels headlong retreat from Egypt. This photograph shows the extraordinary scene presented to Allied Airmen when Rommel began his retreat from El Alamein

British troops stationed in the western Desert, North Africa, design their own Christmas cards to sent back to their loved ones back in Britain and elsewhere over the festive period

An Indian soldier mans a Bren Gun in the Western Desert. May 1941

Men from a Sikh regiment seen fighting in the Western Desert. September 1941

Indian Bren Gun carriers, manned by a famous Sikh Regiment, in the Western Desert. September 1941

This photograph shows the extraordinary scene presented to Allied Airmen when Rommel began his retreat from El Alamein. For miles along the coast road enemy vehicles stretch in an almost unbroken

RAF Advanced units take over captured Airfields in Tripolitania during the Second World War. Step by step, the RAF keep pace with the Eighth Army advancing through Tripolitania

Picture taken at an RAF Advanced Air base in North Africa from which RAF Fighter Squadron is operating. The unit is under canvas

British Army soldiers of the Royal Corps of Signals Regiment, ploughing-in telephone cables in a desert forward area. The RCS are doing a fine job of work in keeping up forward communications

In the early hours of May 6th 1943, a large-scale attack was launched against the enemy in their positions North and South of Medjez-Al-Bab, Tunisia

A captured Italian anti-aircraft gun, the pit of which is being used as an observation post by British Officers. December 1941

Just as they were about to escape from Gabes, this truck full of Italian soldiers were intercepted in the town. Almost at the same time the last of the enemy were hurriedly leaving; in the background

Soldiers point to the Desert Rat symbol adopted by the 8th Army Circa 1941

A Regiment of the Royal Artillery (attached to the New Zealand Division) has captured several 88 mm German guns and they are now being used against the enemy

General view showing a German supply airfield in use at Cyrenaica, Libya during the Second World War. 7th December 1942

The Sphinx, 1890. Creator: Unknown
The Sphinx, 1890. The Great Sphinx, may have been built by during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre (c2558-2532 BC). From " Cassells Illustrated Universal History, Vol

The Pyramids and Sphinx, 1890. Creator: Unknown
The Pyramids and Sphinx, 1890. Giza Pyramid complex, built during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom and the Great Sphinx believed to have been built by during the reign of the Pharaoh Khafre

At a Battlefield Cemetery in Egypt, 1942, (1945). Creator: Unknown
At a Battlefield Cemetery in Egypt, 1942, (1945). British Prime Minister Winston Churchill pays his respects at a military cemetery near El Alamein in the Western Desert

Victors of the Western Desert in Conference, 1941. General Sir Archibald Wavell (1883-1950) and Major-General R. N. O Connor (1889?-981) discussing the final assault on Bardia, January 5th, 1941

Unhappy the Caproni They Happen to Spot, 1941. Allied soldiers in the Western Desert during World War II. From The War Illustrated: Volume 4 edited by Sir John Hammerton

Patterns in the sand, Libyan Desert, Sahara, Libya, North Africa, Africa

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"Unveiling the Untamed: Exploring the Enigmatic Western Desert" Step into a time capsule and journey back to c1943, where the Desert Squadron of the Fleet Air Arm took flight amidst the arid expanse. As their planes soared through endless skies, they became guardians of freedom during the Second World War. Amidst this vast wilderness, a Bren Carrier cautiously navigates through barbed wire, marking the first stages of an offensive that would shape history. The Crusader tanks stand poised for action in Tunisia, ready to engage in fierce battles during the North African campaign. In this unforgiving terrain, British soldiers from General Anderson's First Army tirelessly work on establishing a vital telephone system. The skilled hands of R. E. M. E. , or Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, ensure that communication remains unbroken amidst adversity. Beyond warfare lies another world altogether - within these desert borders lie captivating life forms at Zoological Gardens. Through lithographic studies from life itself emerge vivid depictions of nature's wonders that have thrived against all odds. No visit to this region is complete without encountering timeless marvels like The Sphinx and Pyramids. These ancient structures silently bear witness to countless generations passing by; their mysteries continue to captivate even today. Yet amidst triumphs and tribulations lies poignant remembrance - at a Battlefield Cemetery in Egypt stands as a solemn testament to sacrifice made during 1942 (1945). Its creator unknown but its message clear: heroes rest here who fought valiantly for our freedom. Gathered around conference tables in 1941 are victors of the Western Desert – strategizing future endeavors with determination etched upon their faces. Their resilience echoes across time as we honor those who shaped history on these very sands. Even amid conflict and chaos, moments of respite arise when leisure beckons. A British soldier finds solace reading Sunday pictorial newspaper – an escape from reality, if only for a fleeting moment.