THE EYES OF THE DESERT RATS

THE EYES OF THE DESERT RATS
by David Syrett.

Note: Sadly the author died before this book was published. With the help of a retired Colonel, David's widow edited the manuscript ready for publication. 

The story of the LRDG is not as well known as the that of the SAS, although they proved indispensable to David Stirling's men in their early years in North Africa.
The LRDG carried out long distance reconnaissance patrols into the desert. Gathering intelligence on enemy strengths and traffic movements, these patrols were often for weeks at a time and far behind enemy lines. Such was their knowledge, they became known as a 'taxi service' for the SAS, guiding or transporting them to within walking distance of enemy airfields to attack. 
Whilst their name and achievements are well known amongst military readers, I feel they still deserve far more recognition than they have received. 

This book begins before the second world war and reveals many of the early expeditions into the desert and how men including the LRDG's founder, Ralph Bagnold, learnt how to survive in, navigate and survey the thousands of square miles of this hostile land and climate.

Packed with excellent coloured maps, the book then moves into the wartime role of the LRDG and the many patrols carried out from 1940-1943, including those with the SAS.
It is less about the many individuals who served. Readers can easily find this information in other related books.

I have read many books on the history of the LRDG, some by those who served in it. This incredibly researched book is by far the most detailed regarding operations on a patrol-by-patrol basis and as well as being a fascinating read, it also adds a tremendous amount of new information to those books, making it the perfect companion.
The fact that another online review from a LRDG society member advises people to buy this book, requires me to add little else in the way of praise. 
I will simply add that I most definitely recommend it. 

This new & hardback edition has been republished by Helion & Company and is available now.
I thank them for this review copy.


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