quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
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The LRDG was a unit formed early in WW2 to focus on deep desert reconnaissance operations against the Germans and Italians in North Africa, doing similar to what the SAS would later go on to do as well: using heavily armed and desert-adapted jeeps and trucks to travel long distances through the deep desert and around behind enemy lines. But the LRDG had a bit more of a focus on recon and intelligence-gathering, whereas the later SAS was more focused on direct action/raiding, though the LRDG partook in offensive operations as well.

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In Season 1 of Rogue Heroes, the SAS encounter (and recruit from) the LRDG after their abortive first operation. They were the guys in the jeeps/trucks who rescued the straggling SAS survivors from the desert and then took them to the new SAS base. One or two of the LRDG guys then stuck around to help the SAS.

With respect to the LRDG, it was established by Major Ralph Bagnold, a British officer who along with a dozen or so others, made the initial forays into the Egyptian and Libyan deserts, starting in the late 1920s, using modified Model T autos. I've read his books on this part of his life, and it is utter fascinating what adventurous men can do with limited equipment.

Here is YT video of film taken during these travels.



As far as I know, only Corporal Mike Sadler moved from the LRDG to the SAS. Sterling arranged this because Sadler was likely the LRDG's best navigator. Plus, without consulting GHQ, Sterling promoted Sadler to Lieutenant as part of the unofficial reassignment. Strangely, both reassignment and promotion stuck.

In the series Sadler's character has some of the very best lines. For example, on arriving a Jalo, Sadler has a monologue that starts:

"This my friends is Jalo. Literally, unquestionably, undeniably the middle of fucking no where. If fucking no where had a capital city, this would be it."