8th Army Collection

The 8th Army commander Bernard Law Montgomery, 1942. Artists: Sir John Alexander Hammerton, Unknown
The 8th Army commander Bernard Law Montgomery, 1942. Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein (1887-1976), nicknamed Monty and the Spartan General

Welcoming the Eighth Army into Gabes, 1943. Creator: Unknown
Welcoming the Eighth Army into Gabes, 1943. Gabes returns to French control with the help of the British (in the Mareth Line). The operation results in serious damage to the city infrastructure

Patrol of soldiers of the British Eighth Army on the streets of Florence, Italy, World War II
6015343 Patrol of soldiers of the British Eighth Army on the streets of Florence, Italy, World War II, August 1944 (b/w photo) by English Photographer

Tank of the British Eighth Army giving a ride to a group of children, Milo, Sicily, Italy, World War II
6015180 Tank of the British Eighth Army giving a ride to a group of children, Milo, Sicily, Italy, World War II, August 1943 (photo) by English Photographer

Insignia of Allied forces, World War II, 1939-1945 (colour litho)
6015233 Insignia of Allied forces, World War II, 1939-1945 (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Insignia of Allied forces, World War II, 1939-1945)

Richard McCreery, British general who commanded the Eighth Army in Italy from October 1944 until the end of the Second
6015218 Richard McCreery, British general who commanded the Eighth Army in Italy from October 1944 until the end of the Second World War (photo) by English Photographer

Oliver Leese, British general commanding the Eighth Army during the Italian campaign, World War II, 1944 (photo)
6015177 Oliver Leese, British general commanding the Eighth Army during the Italian campaign, World War II, 1944 (photo) by English Photographer

A Ghurka of the 8th Army sports a 16 inch moustache during Second World War. 7th July 1943

On the 8th army front a mule train carrying ammunition to Montgomerys men passes a little party busily engaged digging out a bogged Sherman tank. Circa 4th December 1943

Sicilian civilians hand over arms to British soldiers. 17th August 1943

Bridge to Casalbordino destroyed by retreating Germans. 4th December 1943

Winston Churchill visits Tripoli to thank troops of the 8th Army at Castel Benito airfield. 9th February 1943

8th Army transports moving up to a forward airfield under the famous Marble Arch, near El Agheila. 28th December 1942

8th Armys entrance into Florence. As our armour enters the city people come into the streets, but they hug the walls and doorways to keep out of harm. Circa 18th August 1944

8th and 5th armies meet in Italy. Lt. Charles Grant, US 5th army. Flight Lt D. E. C
8th and 5th armies meet in Italy. Lt. Charles Grant, US 5th army. Flight Lt D.E.C. Nutting, RAF. Lt. W.B Short of British 8th Army. Circa 22nd September 1943

Andria, near Barlotta shows a collection of 8th army men. Left to right: A/Sep Shukar Din (Indian), Subadar Haqiqat (Punjab, India), Able Seaman E. Scott, Able Seaman C. Rens, Cpl. T. Gavin. Pte H

8th Army Infantry take up mountain positions. (Picture) The column winds its way slowly up the track. So arduous is the journey that halts must be called every 15 minutes for rest

British 8th Army had just crossed the River Arno into Florence. The Regimenta, Sergeant Major, who had apparently established his open air pantry

8th Army Lieutenant General Kirkman visits Florence during Second World War. (Picture) General Kirkman leaves after his visit to Garrison H.Q. in Florence. Circa September 1944

8th Armys entry into Florence, South Africans move into the town. An Indian Division are now fighting in the central mountain sector on the right of the Florence sector through their positions are

Indian troops clean up farm houses. 8th army Italy Jemadur Mohd Yaqus, Platoon Commander, reads a message from a scout. Circa 1940s

Rain floods an 8th army sector in Italy. (Picture) Priority salvage, all hands turn out to save the rations after heavy rain in the Camucin Cortina area of Italy. Circa 13th July 1944

8th army front: Adriatic Sector. 75mm guns on half tracks manned by men of the Kings Dragoon guards. Circa 11th December 1944

Lieut. Gen Sir Richard McCreery, new 8th army commander, visits brigade HQ. With Major Mills, M.C, inspecting a knocked out Tiger tank at Riccione. Circa 1940s

8th Armys Toilet In The Field Lance Bombardier Gordon Taffy Williams, of Mostyn Street, Llandudno, North Wales, sits in the cab of his lorry and uses his driving mirror when he shaves

Crocodile tanks in Italy. It has now been revealed that the 8th Army have been using ultra-modern flame-throwers called Crocodiles against the Germans. (Picture) Crocodiles in action during combat

Eighth Army troops enter Bologna. (Picture) Cheering crowds gather in thousands to greet Allied troops entering Bologna during Second World War. Circa 1940s

The advance northwards in the 8th army zone of operations, Italy, proceeds according to plan. Here a Sherman tank passes through a road barrier at Nicastro as British forces push their way northwards

8th army men in action near Faenza, Italy. (Picture) Infantrymen crouch down for cover during enemy shelling. Circa January 1945

Argenta (German key defence town) falls to the 8th army. (Picture) Men of the 8th Army mopping up in the badly battered town of Argenta, key defence position. Circa 1st May 1945

8th army chief views battle for Faenza. Major Gen. Keighley, 8th army corps commander. 26th November 1944

8th Army advances into the Gothic line. (Picture) Welsh infantrymen near the River Conca. Circa 1940s

Infantry position in the Gothic line during Second World War. Circa 1940s

Destroyed German ammunition dump near Arce. 6th June 1944

British troops boarding invasion craft at Catania, Sicily. 5th September 1943

Second World War, North Africa Campaign. Mareth Line, Tunisia. April 1943

El Alamein - 2nd November 1942 World War Two. The Second Battle of El Alamein was a decisive battle of the Second World War that took place near the Egyptian railway halt of El Alamein

El Alamein - 1st November 1942 World War Two. The Second Battle of El Alamein was a decisive battle of the Second World War that took place near the Egyptian railway halt of El Alamein

El Alamein - 17th November 1942 World War Two. The Second Battle of El Alamein was a decisive battle of the Second World War that took place near the Egyptian railway halt of El Alamein

El Alamein - November 1942 World War Two. The Second Battle of El Alamein was a decisive battle of the Second World War that took place near the Egyptian railway halt of El Alamein

Allied War Cemetery, El Alamein, Egypt. Fought in October and November 1942, the Battle of El Alamein saw the British and Commonwealth forces of the 8th Army under General Bernard Montgomery defeat

Busy Scenes in Benghazi, 1943. Here we see stores being unloaded for allied troops. During the Battle of El Alamein 66 miles from Alexandria, Egypt, British troops led by General Bernard Montgomery

Mobility and Fire Power in Italy, 1943-44. A makeshift field-kitchen in Italy providing the Bofor gunners of the 8th Army with a meal. From The War Illustrated Volume 7 edited by Sir John Hammerton

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The 8th Army, led by the esteemed commander Bernard Law Montgomery, played a pivotal role in World War II. With their unwavering determination and bravery, these soldiers left an indelible mark on history. In Florence, Italy, during August 1944, a patrol of British Eighth Army soldiers can be seen traversing the streets. Their presence symbolizes the liberation of this war-torn city and brings hope to its weary inhabitants. Amidst the chaos of war in Milo, Sicily, during August 1943, a heartwarming sight unfolds as a tank from the British Eighth Army offers children a ride, and is moments like these that remind us of the humanity amidst conflict and showcase the compassion of these brave soldiers. The insignia of Allied forces during World War II serves as a powerful reminder of unity and strength. These symbols represent countless individuals who fought side by side under one common goal – to bring peace back to our world. Richard McCreery and Oliver Leese were two remarkable British generals who commanded the Eighth Army with great skill and leadership throughout different stages of the Italian campaign. Their strategic brilliance paved the way for victory against formidable foes. The Allied War Cemetery in El Alamein stands as a solemn tribute to those who made ultimate sacrifices while serving in this renowned army. It serves as hallowed ground where we honor their memory and express gratitude for their selflessness. From busy scenes in Benghazi to showcasing mobility and firepower in Italy between 1943-44, it becomes evident that adaptability was key for success within this dynamic army. They constantly evolved their tactics to overcome challenges faced on various fronts. Even amidst battlefields filled with danger and uncertainty, humor found its place among troops fighting alongside Ghurkas sporting impressive mustaches measuring up to sixteen inches long. This lightheartedness brought camaraderie amongst soldiers facing adversity together.