Struggling against the oppressive daytime heat, choking dust and freezing cold nights in addition to battling their German and Italian opponents the 8th Army become more popularly known as the 'Desert Rats’ – a nickname adopted from the 7th Armoured Division, a key component of the Western Desert force.
The middle ranks of officers were almost invariably drawn from the upper-middle classes: educated in the public schools, instilled with the values of empires, and imbued with a sense of confidence, duty and resolve that is difficult to conceive of today. An officer unit consists of the man himself and can include up to two other men acting as his immediate attendants.
The battle for France saw Matilda IIs fighting what would become a general retreat. However, Matildas caused problems for the Germans, whose 37mm and 50mm anti-tank guns were simply too small in calibre to penetrate the thick armour of the Matilda.
Arco-flagellants lope alongside faithful armies in packs, their lash-like limbs whipping back and forth as they follow their priestly masters to battle.
Canonesses are the martial and spiritual commanders of the Orders Militant. Each is a shining example of purity and dedication of purpose, a veteran warrior of many hundreds of battles, and a slayer of the faithless in numerous war zones.
Celestian Sacresants are those elite members of the Adepta Sororitas who have departed the life of a bodyguard for their Canoness, instead questing across the Imperium on behalf of their order.
Ephrael Stern has been known by many terms during her long years in service of the God-Emperor – Thrice-born, Daemonifuge, sainted saviour, heretical witch.
The role of Imagifier is sacred amongst the Orders Militant. To these fervent Sisters falls the task of extolling the virtues of fallen Sororitas, and of preaching their deeds amidst the din of battle so that the martyr's spirit may inhabit the warriors of the Order.
Junith Eruita sweeps into battle wreathed in holy fire and holding high the Mace of Castigation. Riding within the Pulpit of Saint Holline’s Basilica, she hovers across the battlefield upon thrumming waves of holy energy.
When the Ecclesiarchy sought to elect a new Abbess Sanctorum to lead the Adepta Sororitas, they chose Morvenn Vahl.
Sororitas who fall short of the Sisterhood's stringent codes of service are stripped of their wargear and cast out from the Order in which they served.
The Rhino armoured personnel carrier has been a mainstay of the Imperial military forces since the earliest days of the Great Crusade. Fashioned from a Standard Template Construct, Rhinos are exceptionally durable, robust and easy to operate.