Osprey New Vanguard 32 : The Long Range Desert Group 1940-1945

On 1 August 1945 one of the finest intelligence gathering units ever formed by the British Army was disbanded. Formed on 3 July 1940, the Long Range Desert Group was the brilliant product of the vision of Major Ralph Bagnold of the Royal Corps of Signals. As a model for what is now commonly know as a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol unit, the Group can have few equals. Between 26 December 1940 and 10 April 1943, a total of only 15 days passed without a patrol of LRDG operating behind or on the flanks of the enemy - a remarkable achievement. This book details how that achievement came about. The formation and development of the unit is carefully studied, as is its organisation and equipment. The various vehicles utilised by the formation are examined, including the redoubtable Chevrolet 1533X2, which became the mainstay of the group after its refit in March 1942. The author also makes clear the tactical role of the LRDG, including its reconnaissance, pathfinding and direct action roles. The text, ably aided by a magnificent assortment of photographs and plates thus gives a full and detailed overview of the men, vehicles and weapons of the Long Range Desert Group as well as investigating their purpose and procedures. Text by Robin Jenner with illustrations by David List and Mike Badrocke.

Contents

• Introduction
• The Concept - Early Days
• Personnel
• Organisation and Equipment
• Command, Control and Communications
• Operations
• Chronology of Major Operations and Events in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations, by both Conventional Forces and the LRDG