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Vehicles of the Long Range Desert Group 1940-45

By: Osprey

Type: Softcover

Product Line: New Vanguard - APC's, AFV's, Softskins & Other Vehicles

MSRP old price: $19.00


Product Info

Title
Vehicles of the Long Range Desert Group 1940-45
Publisher
Category
Author
Gavin Mortimer
Publish Year
2020
Pages
48
Dimensions
7.25x9.75x.25"
NKG Part #
2147987861
MFG. Part #
OSPNVG291
Type
Softcover

Description

A fascinating study of the specialized vehicles, kit and techniques of the Long-Range Desert Group who pioneered long-range desert warfare in World War II and worked closely with the embryonic SAS.

The Long Range Desert Group was one of the most famous special units of World War II, operating 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, a pre-war explorer and army officer, Ralph Bagnold, convinced Middle East Command of the need for a reconnaissance force to penetrate into Italian-held desert. Bagnold 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 Long Range Desert Group because it is '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.