Desert Pirates
History
About
The New Zealand Herald presents Desert Pirates. This is the story of Kiwi soldiers who made history in North Africa during World War II as part of the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG), the forerunners to the NZSAS. Operating behind enemy lines, they navigated vast deserts by sun and stars, carrying out daring raids and reconnaissance missions under extreme conditions. But beyond the legend lies the reality. This series explores the brutal, often untold human cost of desert warfare, and the life or death decisions these men faced as individuals and as a unit. The series draws on extraordinary recordings...
Episodes
- Remembering
LRDG veteran Ian Judge recounts memories from a Greek Islands campaign, highlighting political decisions' impact. The New Zealand SAS acknowledges the LRDG's legacy, and former Defence Minister Judith Collins discusses the current influenc…
- Ghost Patrols
This episode of Desert Pirates examines the role of the LRDG and SAS in countering Erwin Rommel's advancement into Egypt. It includes a short film featuring historical footage shot by LRDG members.
- Into the Blue
The LRDG and Free French forces unite after an operation in Italian territory. A soldier from Taihape undertakes a remarkable solo desert crossing to return home.
- Bearded Ruffians
In July 1940 Cairo, desert explorer Ralph Bagnold formed a unit of 90 New Zealand soldiers for desert raids and intelligence gathering behind enemy lines.