Item #20668 The Crusader : Eighth Army Weekly, Issued to Fighting Forces in the Desert. 13 issues, May 2, 1942 to August 10, 1942. World War II, North Africa Campaign.

The Crusader : Eighth Army Weekly, Issued to Fighting Forces in the Desert. 13 issues, May 2, 1942 to August 10, 1942.

1942. Hardcover. 13 bound issues of the newspaper for the Eighth Army, one of the best known formations of the British Army during World War II, fighting in the North Africa and Italy. Lacking numbers 5 and 9. In Africa, this army earned the name "Desert Rats". British officers commanded the army, but personnel came from across the British Empire including Australia, British India, Canada, Greece, New Zealand, Poland, Rhodesia, South Africa and the U. K.

The first issue (No. 1, Vol. 1, May 2, 1942), has a front page article by General Ritchie, who introduces this first issue: "there is much yet before us. This periodical has been founded mainly to foster that spirit of unity among all ranks, arms and services of the Eighth Army. If we work together as a team animated by one spirit and in close partnership with the Royal Navy and RAF, there can be no doubt of our ultimate success. We are the first Army of the Empire to be formed in this war, and to attack, and first we will remain".

A partial list of other lead articles includes: the Duke of Gloucester's visit to the Western Desert; Churchill Reviews Rosier Prospects; Libya Bound Huns Hurtle to Death; Eighth Army into Battle; Counter Attack; The Critical Phase; The Battle of Egypt; Uneasy Lull; Red Army Standing Firm as German Thrust Weakens. The comic strip here is 'Sporting Sam' by Reg Wootton.

Folio, (4pp per issue). Green cloth covers, no title. Rubbed covers, white marks at front cover. Internally, pages evenly toned as to be expected with newsprint, otherwise very good. OCLC: 173347940. Good +. Item #20668

Price: $150.00

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