7th Armoured Division (United Kingdom) and then into the 1950s as part of the British Army of the Rhine standing watch against the Warsaw Pact. As the British Army became smaller, its higher numbered divisions were removed from the order of battle. The Division's long and illustrious career finally came to an end in this fashion, in April 1958, when it was converted into 5th Division. However, the traditions and iconic nickname ("Desert Rats") of the Division are maintained by 7th Armoured Brigade, which forms part of 1st Armoured Division. The name was coined by the first divisional commander, Major-General Percy Hobart on a visit
9th Armoured Division (United Kingdom) 9th Armoured Division (United Kingdom) The 9th Armoured Division was an armoured division of the British Army, raised during the Second World War. The 9th Armoured was created on 1 December 1940 and dispersed and disbanded on 31 July 1944. The division never saw active service during the war. This formation's only use during the war was either as a training formation or when it was used to experiment with specialised armour. The 9th Armoured Division had three men who held the position of General Officer Commanding during the Second World War. 27th Armoured Brigade "(transferred from division on 10