Although he rarely spoke of his experiences during the war, my father was in his own quiet way, like many tankies, immensely proud at having been a Desert Rat. Indeed, even after all the years that passed I reckon he still classed himself as a Desert Rat. It seems that the bonds of frienship forged among the tank crews of the desert campaign never really faded. Even after D-Day and the bloody battles to liberate France, Holland, Belgium and Germany, the 3 RTR still wore their badges with pride.

From a few of my dad's tank comrades and other research I have been able to piece together the details of at least some of my dad's military service. As always with the power of hindsight there are things I should have asked my dad about the places he passed through on his travels, the people he served with, the feelings he had, but unfortunately so much of this has been lost with his death in 1988. I hope you enjoy the photos and hope the information may be of interest to others, be they tankies, RTR veterans, historians or just those surfing by.

Please pop by again as I hope to expand the site with maps of 3 RTR battles, a medals page, 3 RTR armour & equipment and the links page will be updated regularly.

I would be really grateful for any contributions, suggestions or information relating to the 3 RTR in particular or the Desert Rats in general. Just e-mail me below.

Many thanks.