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
6th Armoured Division (United Kingdom) Armoured Brigade ("from 9 November 1940") 6th Support Group ("from 1 November 1940, disbanded 1 June 1942") 38th (Irish) Infantry Brigade ("from 9 June 1942, left 16 February 1943") 1st Guards Brigade ("from 24 March 1943, left 29 May 1944") 61st Infantry Brigade ("from 29 May 1944") Divisional Troops The following brigades were, at various points in time, attached to the 6th Armoured Division. 6th Armoured Division (United Kingdom) The 6th Armoured Division was an armoured division of the British Army, created in September 1940 during the Second World War. The unit was initially supplied with Matilda and Valentine tanks,