In Rommels Backyard: A Memoir Of The Long Range Desert Group Alastair Timpson belonged to that generation of young men who were propelled straight from public school into the maelstrom of the Second World War. Inured as they had become from quite an early age to discomfort, discipline, indifferent food and absence from home, many appeared to make an effortless transition from peace of their upbringing to the dangers of front line soldering. Thompson had the good fortune to find this way, via the Scots Guards, into the Long Range Desert Group, the most romantic of special force units. In Rommel's Backyard describes the threefold roles of the LRDG, all of which involved daring, dash and incredible feats of endurance and navigation deep behind enemy lines. They were the eyes and ears of the Eighth Army, road-watching and reporting enemy movement; they destroyed enemy aircraft, supply dumps and vehicles; and transported other special forces and agents to their objectives. Fortunately, Alastair Timpson kept a meticulous record of all his activities with the LRDG, although he never saw this as being of interest to more than his family. However, after his death, his son realised its wider appeal and offered it for publication. Although In Rommel's Backyard is a very personal account it epitomises the spirit of a campaign which involved many thousands of young men. In a calm, often detached way - his modesty is noteworthy - the author gives an account of his and his colleagues' war behind enemy lines which will appeal not only to historians of the period but to all those who enjoy a real-life adventure story of epic encounters fought, and won, against the odds. AUTHOR: Alastair Timpson was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge before gold-mining in South Africa. He was commissioned into the Scots Guards serving initially with the 5th Battalion. He was then posted to the posted to the 2nd Battalion in Egypt. In Sept 1941 he was seconded to the LRDG and became the Commander of the Guards Patrol - has active career was ended after a severe wound at Monte Camino - he was awarded the MC and twice mentioned in despatches. SELLING POINTS * Gripping account of being behind enemy lines witht he Long Range Desert Group *Will appeal not only to historians but to all those who enjoy a real-life adventure story of epic encounters fought and won, against the odds. Illustrated *
