A history of New Zealand's R Patrol in the Long Range Desert Group.

This is the story of the New Zealand R Patrol, Long Range Desert Group, who within their ranks had some very distinguished icons such as Jake Easonsmith, Don Steele, Dick Croucher Tony Browne, Bluey Grimsey, and Buster Gibb. Their stories are told, including that of many others, mostly in the words of the participants themselves by way of wartime operational reports, diaries, personal letters, and post war interviews. This provides a human touch to the narrative, examining the thoughts and observations of those who served.

The work also explains the formation of the unit, including its early missions and of the vehicles, supplies, weapons, and equipment used. In addition, serving as a ‘Taxi Service’ for behind the line missions carrying agents, commandos, military observers, rescuing downed airmen and escaped PoWs. Chapters are also devoted to working with the SAS and Free French, supporting the Eighth Army, and undertaking the Road Watch. This includes dramatic accounts of air attacks and ground actions against enemy convoys and engagements with Axis forces. This is all supported by 288 images including maps and art.

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Acknowledgements
• Introduction
• 1. The Long Range Patrol: Formation
• 2. One Man’s Story
• 3. First Missions
• 4. The Long Range Desert Group
• 5. Libyan Taxi Service
• 6. With the SAS
• 7. Supporting the Eighth Army
• 8. With the Free French at Zouar
• 9. Road Watch
• 10. Air Attack
• 11. Ground Actions
• 12. On Leave
• 13. R Patrol Gunner/Medical Orderly
• 14. Buster Gibb Remembers
• 15. The Aftermath
• Appendix I: The LRP Lament
• Appendix II: R Patrol Truck names and Officers
• Appendix III: A Selection of Images from Trooper Frank McKeown’s Photo Album
• Bibliography