This is the story of the New Zealand R Patrol, Long Range Desert Group, who within their ranks had some very distinguished icons such as Jake Easonsmith, Don Steele, Dick Croucher Tony Browne, Bluey Grimsey, and Buster Gibb. Their stories are told, including that of many others, mostly in the words of the participants themselves by way of wartime operational reports, diaries, personal letters, and post war interviews. This provides a human touch to the narrative, examining the thoughts and observations of those who served. The work also explains the formation of the unit, including its early missions and of the vehicles, supplies, weapons, and equipment used. In addition, serving as a 'Taxi Service' for behind the line missions carrying agents, commandos, military observers, rescuing downed airmen and escaped PoWs. Chapters are also devoted to working with the SAS and Free French, supporting the Eighth Army, and undertaking the Road Watch. This includes dramatic accounts of air attacks and ground actions against enemy convoys and engagements with Axis forces. This is all supported by 288 images including maps and art. AUTHOR: Brendan O'Carroll lives in Auckland, New Zealand and is now retired after 47 years with the New Zealand Customs Service. With a long time interest in military history, his speciality is the Long Range Desert Group. He interviewed over 30 veterans while writing The Kiwi Scorpions: The Story of the New Zealanders in the LRDG (2000), Bearded Brigands (2002), and Barce Raid: The LRDG's Most Daring Exploit in World War Two. (2005). His Pen and Sword titles include The LRDG in the Aegean (2020), The Long Range Desert Group in Action 1940 -1943 (2020), Fighting with the Long Range Desert Group, Merlyn Craw MM's War 1940-1945 (2022), and The Long Range Desert Group in North Africa (2023). He has written numerous other published works and articles. In 2006 his work was recognised by awards from the New Zealand Military Historical Society. 286 b/w illustrations
