The Hammer

Following the, early successes of the LRP, the group was renamed the LRDG and began expanding its operations to the Fezzan in south-western Libya, a region of sandy and stony deserts, long wadis, and fertile oases. The chief objective was …

1941-01-11

NA02

Following the, early successes of the LRP, the group was renamed the LRDG and began expanding its operations to the Fezzan in south-western Libya, a region of sandy and stony deserts, long wadis, and fertile oases. The chief objective was Murzuq, the capital of the Fezzan, which was 1,000 miles from the LRDG base in Cairo and 350 miles from the nearest French post in the Tibesti Mountains. The plan for Murzq included an audacious attack against-its well-defended fort and a nearby airfield. Although the LRDG had the advantage of surprise, the Italian‘s provided stiff Resistance. Ultimately, the LRDG destroyed three light bombers, a fuel dump, a two-way wireless set, bombs, and parachutes.

Murzuq Airfield, Libya

The Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) was a reconnaissance and raiding unit of the British Army during the Second World War. Originally called the Long Range Patrol (LRP), the unit was founded in Egypt in June 1940 by Major Ralph Alger Bagnold, acting under the direction of General Archibald Wavell. Bagnold was assisted by Captain Patrick Clayton and Captain William Shaw. At first, the majority of the men were from New Zealand, but they were soon joined by Southern Rhodesian and British volunteers, whereupon new sub-units were formed and the name was changed to the better-known Long Range Desert Group (LRDG). The LRDG never numbered more than 350 men, all of whom were volunteers.

Wikipedia: Long Range Desert Group

German

British