R Patrol Long Range Desert Group

The book "R Patrol Long Range Desert Group" by Brendan O'Carroll tells the fascinating story of the New Zealand R Patrol, which operated as part of the Long Range Desert Group during World War II. It highlights the experiences and perspectives of remarkable individuals such as Jake Easonsmith, Don Steele, and Dick Croucher, who share their stories through war reports, diaries, personal letters, and post-war interviews. This narrative style adds a human dimension to the work and allows readers to understand the thoughts and observations of those involved. The book covers the founding of the unit, its early missions, as well as the vehicles, weapons, and equipment used. It also discusses the role of the R Patrol as a "taxi service" for secret operations and its collaboration with the SAS and the Free French forces. Dramatic accounts of air raids and ground battles against enemy convoys complete the picture and are complemented by 288 illustrations, including maps and artworks.