Vehicles of the Long Range Desert Group 1940-45

The Long-Range Desert Group (LRDG) was a specialized unit of World War II that pioneered long-range desert warfare and worked closely with the embryonic SAS. They used modified vehicles to gather intelligence and support raids, with the Chevrolet WB (30 CWT) as their signature vehicle. The book provides details of the vehicles, modifications, driving techniques, and special kit for surviving in the harsh desert environment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Long-Range Desert Group (LRDG) was a remarkable special unit during World War II, known for its pioneering long-range desert warfare and close collaboration with the embryonic SAS. Led by Ralph Bagnold, a pre-war explorer and army officer, the LRDG operated heavily modified vehicles deep behind enemy lines to gather intelligence and support the raids of David Stirling's new Special Air Service. When war broke out, Bagnold convinced Middle East Command of the need for a reconnaissance force to penetrate into Italian-held desert. He tested four types of vehicles over rocks and through soft sand to find the best one for his new unit. He selected the Chevrolet WB (30 CWT) as the signature vehicle of the LRDG because it was fast, simple, and easy to handle. With left-hand steering, horizontal grill, and round fenders on the rear wheels, these trucks proved themselves popular and effective. The durability of the Chevrolets was demonstrated in January 1941 with an audacious raid on the Italian fort/air strip at Murzuk, hundreds of miles behind enemy lines. This book explains the detail of all the vehicles of the LRDG, as well as their modifications, driving techniques, and special kit for surviving behind enemy lines in one of the most hostile environments on earth.

Weight: 166g
Dimension: 185 x 248 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472842152