The Afrika Korps was a division of the Wehrmacht that acted as Germany's expedition force in North Africa. During WW2, the North African Campaign started in 1940, requiring Heer soldiers to have tropical uniforms for camouflage. Many young recruits were quickly sent to North Africa during famous battles, such as El Alamein. The campaign came to a close in 1943 after the defeat of the Germans in North Africa and the impending Eastern invasion. A SMG gunner of this division usually carried two MP 40 pouches, a gas mask canister, water bottle, goggles, some stick grenades, and a shovel.