The Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) was a specialised reconnaissance and raiding unit of the British Army during World War II. Founded by Major Ralph Bagnold in Egypt in June 1940, the unit comprised of an Imperial melting pot of volunteers and played a crucial role in the Desert Campaign between 1940 and 1943, conducting deep penetration and reconnaissance missions behind Axis lines in North Africa.

The talk includes the LRDG’s foundation and the development of its desert expertise, innovative tactics, and operations in the desert, including their use of modified vehicles, navigation, and communications. Their ability to operate independently for long periods of time behind enemy lines made them a formidable force in the North African theatre.

The presentation will also cover some of the LRDG’s daring raids, its relationship with the SAS and its vital intelligence gathering which significantly contributed to the Allied victory in North Africa during World War II.

Finally, it will look at how the legacy of the Long Range Desert Group as a highly effective and resourceful unit has endured to this day, serving as a testament to the courage and ingenuity of the men who served in this elite unit and the lasting impact of the LRDG on modern special forces.

About the speaker – Jerry Cockeram – Chairman, BMMHS

Jerry has spent some 30 years working in IT, specialising in software and hardware sales. Alongside his professional career, he has always maintained a keen fascination with military history, an interest that led him to become one of the original founders of the British Modern Military History Society (BMMHS) in 2019. Having been involved with the Society since its inception he has recently taken on the role of Chairman.

Since its formation, he has been closely involved in developing the Society, bringing together speakers and enthusiasts to explore military history from the Napoleonic era to the present day.

He has also played an active role in BMMHS’s charitable fundraising through its publishing programme. As a member of the editorial team, he has helped produce three books in the Glimpses of War series, together with the Society’s latest publication, Articles of War. These publications have helped raise funds for military veterans’ charities.

Jerry is passionate about making military history accessible, sharing knowledge and ensuring that the stories and experiences of those who served are not forgotten.