So, here you are, a supply officer in 1940, Western Desert, Il Duce’s (and the monarch’s) Italian Army. Your truck convoy is driving along a north African road, three hundred kilometers behind the front lines. Life should be good.

 Suddenly, a lead vehicle strikes a mine. The convoy stops. A formation of Wellington bombers ‘just happens’ to be in the area an hour later and proceeds to cause substantial unhappiness. 

Why, how?

 Because, the British Royal Army Corps’ Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) was ‘in the neighbourhood’ and watching goings-on…hundreds of miles behind the battle lines.

 In 1940, Maj. Ralph Bagnold, Royal Corps of Signals, introduced an idea so unconventional, one cannot be but surprised it ever came to fruition. Long range reconnaissance, on the ground, behind enemy lines. Sometimes, many hundreds of miles behind enemy lines. On the ground. A few brave men, a few trucks, small price for the advantages given especially as LRDG casualties were ultimately few.

 Despite LRDG soldiers having contributed greatly to the ultimate Allied victory in North Africa, Southern Europe and Northern Europe, the unit was disbanded in 1945. “No further duties for a unit of this nature…. “

However, the LRDG lives on, in MANY military’s elite Long Range Recon units.

 Authors Jenner, List and Badrocke  collaborated effectively on a book which does exactly what its cover advertises. Since LRDG units were not intended to fight, there are few ‘glorious’ battle reports. What this book provides, though, is an excellent overview and short operational history of the LRDG.

 The standard Osprey colour illustrations focus largely on light vehicles, with fairly minimal coverage of uniforms. Given LRDG troopers dressed in ‘abbreviated’ variants of British Army kit and a number of photos show their familiar, simple garb, this is not too big an ‘omission.’  The cutaway of a 15cwt Chevrolet, the most-recognised LRDG vehicle, is ‘veddy interesting.’

 Modelers, this book should delight and inspire you. Tamiya markets excellent kits of a Chevrolet 15 CWT truck and SAS Jeep (which can be easily converted to LRDG fit) , both with figures. In addition, the Long Range Desert Group trooper is represented fairly well in aftermarket figures, including a large scale resin bust, plus LRDG types are relatively easy conversions from existing figures of “Tommies.” You can have a pot of modeling fun, replicating chaps from some of the illustrations and photos in this book.

 Highly recommended, as a bit of a "step aside" from the fleet engagements, Panzer battles and large aerial engagements we tend to study. The Long Range Desert Group 1940-45 shows how a unit which rarely operated in even company strength influenced a campaign and though short-lived, achieved historical immortality.

 Review copy courtesy of the reviewer's chequebook, purchased from Prosek's Greenhouse and Military Model Shop, Winfield, IL, USA 

Reviewed by James Hood 

see Scott Van Aken's m2 and other reviews of James Hood's novel Adventure--Into The Neverland, of exploring a parallel, Alternate world (concept based on the Superstring theory of physics) using WW II surplus ships, aircraft and vehicles at:)    <http://users3.ev1.net/~bjmonkeyandcj/James_Hood.htm>

Book can be ordered at <http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/SearchCatalog.aspx>  or from your local bookstore (ISBN 0-7596-9062-6 Hardbound or ISBN-0-7596-2646-4 Softcover)