Join us in October as we follow in the footsteps of the Special Air Service (SAS) and the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) in North Africa - Egypt. Visiting WW2 battlefields and Egyptian historical sites of interest this is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed.
Established in July 1941, the SAS was so named as part of a deception plan to convince the Axis that a full parachute regiment was in the region. Nonetheless, the SAS consisted initially of only 5 officers and 60 men. The SAS were trained as parachutists but the unit’s first drop behind enemy lines in November 1941 was a disaster, with one third of the unit killed or captured.
The SAS may well have been disbanded if it had not been for the successful raid on three German and Italian airfields, in which the LRDG provided the transport to the enemy bases. Approximately 60 enemy aircraft were destroyed with minimal loss to the SAS.
On an attack on Sirte, in December 1941, the SAS and LRDG developed a new attack technique: driving their trucks at speed between the rows of aircraft, riddling those planes with machine guns and flinging grenades. The success of this method made this the SAS’s preferred form of attack.
Formed in July 1940, by Major Ralph Bagnold, and originally called the Long Range Patrol, the LRDG grew and changed to its more well known name. One of the remarkable aspects of the LRDG is the enormous amount of time it spent behind enemy lines. It frequently operated from a base from Siwa Oasis in southern Egypt.
Join us as we visit some of these historic sites and follow in the footsteps of legends.
When Italy declared war on 10 June 1940, the frontier in the North Africa desert posed a challenge to both sides. The difficult terrain included vast sand seas of giant dunes which made it impossible for large forces to penetrate inland.
The LRDG provided assistance to special forces operating behind enemy lines. The Special Air Service (SAS) was formed in July 1941 by the 'Phantom Major' David Stirling to attack behind enemy lines using small raiding forces.
After a first abortive attempt to attack desert outposts by parachute, the SAS relied on the skills of the LRDG to transport them to their targets - earning the LRDG the nickname the 'Libyan Desert Taxi Service'.
Come follow in the footsteps of the SAS and LRDG with SOE Expeditions as we visit their historical sites and battlefields across Egypt.
Our 10-day SAS - LRDG Exped in Egypt will include 5-star accommodation in Cairo the Nile, Alexandria and El Alamain along with visits to historic WW2 sites museums and war graves. With a dedicated WW2 historian and author to enrich your experience.
We will also drive into the desert and visit the LRDG headquarters at the Oasis of Siwa visiting sites along the way and spending a night under the stars like the LRDG of old.
Our 10-day Exped in October 2024 will cost £3350 and will include everything in country except flights and alcohol.
A deposit of £350 will secure your place followed by 2 instalments.
Places going fast, reserve your place today.
Stephen Chambers is a battlefield guide, author and researcher whose is passionate about British second World War history.
A trustee of the western front association and orders and medals research society. He is also an accredited member of the Guild of Battlefield Guides
General Bernard Montgomery - November 1942