The 8th Armoured Brigade 1939-1945
The Fox's Mask Brigade, formally the 8th Armoured Brigade, was a veteran British formation that fought from North Africa to Germany during the Second World War. Its first action came at Bir Ridge in August 1942, part of the Battle of Alam El Hafa, defending against Rommel's attacks before participating in Operation Supercharge and the push through Tunisia, including the Mareth Line, equipped with Crusaders, Grants, and Shermans.
On D-Day, 6 June 1944, the Brigade landed at Gold Beach in support of the 50th Northumbrian Division and 56th Independent Infantry Brigade. The Nottinghamshire Yeomanry (Sherwood Rangers) used amphibious Sherman DD tanks on Jig Green, while the 4/7 Royal Dragoons supported King Beach, overcoming rough seas and strong German defenses. Despite losses-13 DD tanks destroyed-the assault surprised German defenders, and all primary objectives, including Bayeux, the Caen-Bayeux road, and the Port of Arromanches, were secured by day's end.
Over the next 25 days, the Brigade supported infantry in heavy fighting around Bayeux, Tilly-sur-Seulles, and Villers-Bocage, losing 146 tanks but knocking out 86 German tanks and self-propelled guns. Continuing the advance through France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and into Germany, the Brigade fought in nearly every major engagement, culminating in the German surrender on 4 May 1945.
From North Africa to Normandy and across Western Europe, the Fox's Mask Brigade exemplified skill, resilience, and the decisive power of British armour in combined-arms operations, leaving a lasting legacy in Allied victory.
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