Sahara

A seasoned tank commander who assumes control when the unit is cut off from its battalion. Gunn is pragmatic, tough, and unflinching under pressure, using cunning and negotiation to delay German advances. His leadership anchors the group's resilience as they improvise defenses and outthink a larger force.

A loyal crew member whose presence provides a steady, if occasionally skeptical, perspective within the tank crew. Doyle supports Gunn's plans and contributes to the crew’s morale with practical, grounded thinking. He embodies the tension between bravado and duty in wartime endurance.

The experienced crewman who acts as a stabilizing force aboard the tank. Waco offers measured judgment and helps execute Gunn’s strategies under the desert’s brutal conditions. His calm demeanor under fire reinforces the team’s cohesion.

British medical officer who becomes the unit’s last formal officer when Captain Halliday cedes command to Gunn. Halliday brings professional discipline and medical expertise, supporting strategic decisions while recognizing Gunn’s leadership. He represents institutional authority in the improvisational war theater.

A Free French/Italian prisoner who accompanies the group, offering sharp critique of fascism and danger of ideological rigidity. His presence adds moral tension and wartime politics to the march for water and safety. Giuseppe’s fate underscores the perils of war extending beyond the battlefield.

Free French Corporal who contributes to the group’s cohesion with courage and linguistic skill. Leroux navigates the alliance between Allied forces and local troops, aiding the crew’s navigation through desert politics. His involvement reinforces the broader Allied effort beyond a single nation.

Sudan Defence Force leader who volunteers to guide the group to vital water sources. Tambul embodies desert resilience and regional knowledge, playing a critical role in locating wells and coordinating with local forces. He dies bravely while attempting to aid Gunn and his crew.

German army commander who orchestrates a persistent, stubborn assault and tries to pressure the Allied group with deception. Von Falken’s strategic insistence and willingness to barter water for guns heighten the tension of the siege. He is ultimately killed by Gunn, ending his command directly on the battlefield.

Luftwaffe Captain who directly engages the Allied group and stabs Giuseppe in a display of aggression and contempt for dissent. His presence embodies the immediate threat of aerial and ground assault in the desert theater. He is neutralized during the confrontation as the siege unfolds.

One of the Allied survivors who endures the siege alongside Gunn and the others. Bates represents the ordinary soldier’s perseverance and the ultimate relief that comes with Allied reinforcement. His survival underscores the film’s emphasis on collective endurance.