LONG RANGE DESERT GROUP (LRDG)

Vehicles took a terrible pounding in the desert, especially during deep penetration missions by the Long-Range Desert Group. Simple, robust trucks such as these Canadian Chevrolets were essential, as breakdowns could mean death.

The go-anywhere ability of the Jeep was much appreciated during the desert campaign. Here members of the newly-formed SAS set out in their Vickers- and Browning-armed Jeeps.
The Jeep was used by all arms for OP, Provost, wireless, recovery and cargo-carrying roles, Both the US and British armies used armed reconnaissance versions, and of particular interest were the special heavily-armed. Vehicles used by the SAS (Special Air Service) and LRDG (Long-Range Desert Group). These vehicles were stripped of ail unnecessary equipment to allow for the attachment of special equipment, armament, fuel, water-cans, etc, The LRDG in particular carried out daring exploits in North Africa against the supply columns replenishing the Afrika Korps, and played a significant part in reducing its capability through reduction in supplies (particularly fuel) Both LRDG and SAS vehicles usually bristled with machine-guns, usually a combination of Browning and Vickers K guns. The fuel tanks were enlarged to allow for increased range (the fuel capacity was usually about 136 litre/30 Imp gal).

A British Army Special Forces unit set up in mid-1940 to operate in the western desert against the Italian Army. It contained a high proportion of New Zealand troops to start, then more British and other Commonwealth forces. Its principal function was long-range espionage, but sabotage missions were also carried out using vehicles adapted for the desert. The LRDG supported British 8th Army from its advance westward following Second El Alamein to the Mareth Line campaign. It shipped out in 1943 to fight in the Dodecanese campaign and the Italian campaign (1943–1945). Elements of the former desert force also fought in Greece and Yugoslavia.

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Desert conditions (Allied)
In general, British, Commonwealth and US vehicles used in the desert campaigns were very good. The effect of standardization really showed up here because vehicles were operating under the logistical condition of almost total self-containment. As a result of standardization, vehicles that had been destroyed or that had broken down could be cannibalized for spare parts, and groups of vehicles, like the LRDG (Long-Range Desert Group) and convoys, could keep moving. The main disadvantage of standardization, however, soon came to the fore. Restriction to a minimum number of types meant that 'all the eggs were in one basket', so if a vehicle type turned out to be unreliable then there was no alternative to take its place. Fortunately for the Allies, when this did occur it usually was not a major task to rectify the problem. During the early days the British had trouble with the containerization of POL (petrol, oil and lubricants) and water, but with the capture of German equipment they became acquainted with the standard German liquid container which they copied and nicknamed the 'Jerry Can'.

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