During the two and a half years fighting in the Western Desert which began with the Italian declaration of war in June 1940 and ended with the capture of Tunis in May 1943, the Long Range Desert Group were the acknowledged masters of the vast inner desert. This small, highly mobile force was engaged in daring exploits and reconnaissance far behind the enemies lines. Emerging suddenly from the inner desert, the LRDG would raid important airfields or attack the access lines of communication along the Mediterranean coast, and then vanish into the desert, to reappear five hundred miles away a few days later. This classic account of the small but remarkable force which played such an important part in the outcome of the war in the Western Desert is now reissued after many years out of print. With its brilliant description of the harsh beauty of the desert, and its exciting chronicle of LRDG activities, this work is as fascinating and readable today as it was when it first appeared.

Reprint. Originally published: London : Collins, 1945. Includes index.

Origins -- Preparation -- First sorties -- Murzuk -- the taking of Kufra -- Summer at Kufra -- a squadron at Siwa -- The autumn offensive, 1941 -- Raids from Jalo -- Siwa again -- Siwa, ‘Alamein, Faiyum -- ‘Tulip’, ‘Daffodil’, ‘Snowdrop’, ‘Hyacinth’ -- The road watch -- ‘Alamain to Gabes -- Appendices. Glossary -- Roll of honour -- Honour and awards -- Patrol commanders -- Ration scale.