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The Men Who Made the SAS: The History of the Long Range Desert Group
Established in June 1940, the Long Range Desert Group was the inspiration of scientist and soldier Major Ralph Bagnold, a contemporary of T.E Lawrence who, in the inter-war years, explored the North African desert in a Model T Ford automobile.
Mortimer takes us from the founding of the LRDG, through their treacherous journey across the Egyptian Sand Sea and beyond, offering a hitherto unseen glimpse into the heart of this most courageous organisation, whose unique and valiant contributions to the war effort can now finally be recognized and appreciated.
Mortimer takes us from the founding of the LRDG, through their treacherous journey across the Egyptian Sand Sea and beyond, offering a hitherto unseen glimpse into the heart of this most courageous organisation, whose unique and valiant contributions to the war effort can now finally be recognized and appreciated.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2015
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119 people want to read
About the author
Gavin Mortimer
64 books22 followersFor a detailed biography, to learn more about all the books I have written and to discover my forthcoming projects, please visit my website at the above link.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 28, 2022
The title is an excellent example of a publisher shoehorning a mention of a 'sexier' subject into the title to pick up readers. The book is actually about the subtitle: The History of the Long Range Desert Group. The LRDG was set up to do exactly what it said: scout and reconnoitre at long range in the desert. The SAS was a separate organisation and while there was a degree of overlap between the two, and some rivalry, they remained two separate organisations throughout World War II.
The Long Range Desert Group really doesn't need the spurious association: their exploits were just as extraordinary as those of the SAS. Driving deep, deep into the desert, navigating by a combination of speed/distance and compass bearings (the maps were blank for the areas they were going into) they went far far behind enemy lines, lying low there sometimes for weeks at a time, observing, recording, reporting and sometimes attacking. It was this experience of operating independently behind enemy lines for long periods of time that laid the foundations for the Chindits and later special forces operations.
The story of how Major Ralph Bagnold, an inter-war scientist, explored the desert and then used his expertise in desert exploration to set up and train the LRDG is fascinating, as are the many extraordinary characters who became members of the LRDG. Right from the off, the LRDG prioritised men who could think for themselves, setting it outside the usual terms of military reference, and the men who found a home within the organisation more than repaid Bagnold's faith in them.
It's also interesting for how, the Desert War won, the LRDG attempted to find a new role for itself in the war for Europe - with relatively little success. The techniques that worked in the desert were not nearly so successful in Europe, leading to the Group's eventual disbandment. But the template laid down by the LRDG would inform the operations and training of all the later Special Forces units. The book is a fitting tribute to these intrepid men.
The Long Range Desert Group really doesn't need the spurious association: their exploits were just as extraordinary as those of the SAS. Driving deep, deep into the desert, navigating by a combination of speed/distance and compass bearings (the maps were blank for the areas they were going into) they went far far behind enemy lines, lying low there sometimes for weeks at a time, observing, recording, reporting and sometimes attacking. It was this experience of operating independently behind enemy lines for long periods of time that laid the foundations for the Chindits and later special forces operations.
The story of how Major Ralph Bagnold, an inter-war scientist, explored the desert and then used his expertise in desert exploration to set up and train the LRDG is fascinating, as are the many extraordinary characters who became members of the LRDG. Right from the off, the LRDG prioritised men who could think for themselves, setting it outside the usual terms of military reference, and the men who found a home within the organisation more than repaid Bagnold's faith in them.
It's also interesting for how, the Desert War won, the LRDG attempted to find a new role for itself in the war for Europe - with relatively little success. The techniques that worked in the desert were not nearly so successful in Europe, leading to the Group's eventual disbandment. But the template laid down by the LRDG would inform the operations and training of all the later Special Forces units. The book is a fitting tribute to these intrepid men.
January 19, 2020
This is without a doubt the best book I have read about the LRDG. The amount of information is stunning and the writer made good use of his knowledge and access to archival information.
The reader gets an in depth look on how the LRDG was founded and how it grew into a very successful tool used to win the war in North Africa.
What the book also shows is that the LRDG made many of the raids performed by the SAS possible. In a way they became a 'taxi service' for the SAS. And the more they did so, the less they liked it. In the end the LRDG and SAS went their own way. The role of each unit was quite different indeed. The SAS never forgot the role the LRDG performed for them.
It also becomes clear that the role the LRDG played in the African campaign was what suited them best. Unfortunately Churchill's obsession with the Adriatic area saw the LRDG, and many other special forces units, end up being used in a role that was not the best way to use them.
Great book and a must read if you like to read about special forces units, but also if you want to learn more about a part of the African campaign that does get the attention it deserves.
In some places the proofing could have been sharper, but it does not distract from the amazing story.
The reader gets an in depth look on how the LRDG was founded and how it grew into a very successful tool used to win the war in North Africa.
What the book also shows is that the LRDG made many of the raids performed by the SAS possible. In a way they became a 'taxi service' for the SAS. And the more they did so, the less they liked it. In the end the LRDG and SAS went their own way. The role of each unit was quite different indeed. The SAS never forgot the role the LRDG performed for them.
It also becomes clear that the role the LRDG played in the African campaign was what suited them best. Unfortunately Churchill's obsession with the Adriatic area saw the LRDG, and many other special forces units, end up being used in a role that was not the best way to use them.
Great book and a must read if you like to read about special forces units, but also if you want to learn more about a part of the African campaign that does get the attention it deserves.
In some places the proofing could have been sharper, but it does not distract from the amazing story.
June 29, 2023
Gavin Mortimer has to be congratulated for his research into the desert campaigns with his at times controversial exploding of the myths surrounding SAS "founder" "the Phantom Major" David Stirling . Mortimer decries the myths largely self created by Stirling who down played the roles of legendary soldier Paddy Mayne and his own older brother Bill Stirling in his autobiography.The book was published only after the death of Paddy Mayne
The less well known LRDG were actually set up a year and a half before the SAS by British explorer and scientist Ralph Bagnold.
The unity comprised mostly of New Zealanders both Pakeha (NZers of European descent) and native Māori soldiers after the Australians had been initially approached . The NZ volunteers were part of the NZ calvary regiment and Machine gun battalion.Like the SAS they were set up to work deep behind enemy lines.Formed in July 1940 as a desert surveillance unit to reconnoitre the Libyan Desert on the western borders of Egypt and the Sudan, it played a major part in the Allies victory in North Africa in World War II.The unit would remain mostly NZers till dissolved in 1945.
Mortimer has done a fantastic job in interviewing many of the men still living who had taken part in these desert campaigns and thankfully for us now has allocated the proper credit where it is due.
The less well known LRDG were actually set up a year and a half before the SAS by British explorer and scientist Ralph Bagnold.
The unity comprised mostly of New Zealanders both Pakeha (NZers of European descent) and native Māori soldiers after the Australians had been initially approached . The NZ volunteers were part of the NZ calvary regiment and Machine gun battalion.Like the SAS they were set up to work deep behind enemy lines.Formed in July 1940 as a desert surveillance unit to reconnoitre the Libyan Desert on the western borders of Egypt and the Sudan, it played a major part in the Allies victory in North Africa in World War II.The unit would remain mostly NZers till dissolved in 1945.
Mortimer has done a fantastic job in interviewing many of the men still living who had taken part in these desert campaigns and thankfully for us now has allocated the proper credit where it is due.
March 17, 2023
Great insights into the formation of the LRDG and their desert skills, which the newly formed SAS came to rely on as their logistics support in the desert. Amazing characters who made a real difference in North Africa. Reminds me of another book I need to read, Turn the Ship Around by David Marquet (ex US Navy), all about delegating more command, treating crew as leaders, not followers.
September 27, 2020
Great book. Loved reading about the establishment of the First special forces team of the British Army.
The final section (moving theatres from the Africa campaign to the Med and reading how the lads ended up was sad).
A really good insight to the forward thinkers of the new establishment.
The final section (moving theatres from the Africa campaign to the Med and reading how the lads ended up was sad).
A really good insight to the forward thinkers of the new establishment.
June 12, 2024
A bit of a misleading title as the book is actually the history of the LRDG. Having said that, it is a very interesting book full of never before published information as well as some well known information about the LRDG. Well worth a read
May 28, 2018
I rate this book for the exceptional content and research. It needs a better proofing editor in places but nothing that can spoil an intriguing and oft forgotten history.
July 25, 2020
Solid historical book
Very well researched and written. A joy to read.
The chapters on the Balkans, Italy, Leros and Greece were unknown to me.
Highly recommended.
Very well researched and written. A joy to read.
The chapters on the Balkans, Italy, Leros and Greece were unknown to me.
Highly recommended.
September 29, 2020
Long range desert group
I found the book to be a very interesting read, all about the set up of the regiment and the battles they fought.
I found the book to be a very interesting read, all about the set up of the regiment and the battles they fought.
January 1, 2022
Heads up
I would say the younger generation who wish to be in special forces should read this book on how to operate in the desert.
I would say the younger generation who wish to be in special forces should read this book on how to operate in the desert.
August 30, 2022
Great read and insightful look at the history of the LRDG.
February 22, 2024
The author gives a cracking informative factual account of the SAS. Bloody good read old boy 😃
March 7, 2025
Read this because the TV show that was made based on this piece of history was so good
April 13, 2025
A great book on the history of the LRDG, the author really knows his stuff on this story. Highly recommended for anyone interested in learning about the history of the LRDG.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews