This study provides a comprehensive history of the Eighth Army, one of the most famous of all British armies. Richard Doherty uses official records, personal accounts, and Victoria Cross winners' stories to deliver a complete tale of the Eighth Army from its beginnings in the sands of North Africa through the victory of El Alamein to the end of the war and eventual victory. The army, under the inspiration of Lieutenant-General Bernard Montgomery, launched a major offensive in El Alamein before taking part in the successful invasion of Sicily and the long and bloody campaign to defeat the Axis forces in Italy. Under Montgomery and later Lieutenant-General Sir Oliver Leese and Lieutenant-General Sir Richard McCreery the Eighth Army consisted of soldiers of the British Commonwealth and Empire, as well as those from occupied countries in Europe. By the time the war ended the Army had won an astounding 34 Victoria Crosses.