Special Air Service (SAS) & Long Range Desert Group (LRDG)
Overview
The Special Air Service (SAS) and the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) were elite British special forces units whose operational reach and effectiveness during the Second World War far exceeded their size. Operating deep behind enemy lines in North Africa, their missions combined reconnaissance, sabotage, and raiding under conditions of extreme isolation.

Both units produced a disproportionately high number of gallantry awards and became foundational to modern special operations doctrine.

The Long Range Desert Group (LRDG)
Formed in 1940, the LRDG was tasked with long-range desert reconnaissance and independent patrol operations. Personnel were selected for navigation skill, mechanical aptitude, endurance, and self-discipline. The unit operated far beyond conventional supply and command structures.

Motto:
“Not by Strength, by Guile” (Non vi sed arte)

LRDG Patrol Structure
Patrols were organised into lettered elements, commonly referenced in service records and medal citations:

R Patrol, T Patrol, G Patrol, S Patrol, W Patrol, Y Patrol.
Gallantry Awards and Decorations
Awards Commonly Earned
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Military Cross (MC)
Military Medal (MM)
Mention in Despatches (MID)
Campaign Medals
1939–45 Star
Africa Star
Defence Medal
War Medal 1939–45

Many SAS and LRDG medal groups are accompanied by minimal citation detail due to the classified or unconventional nature of operations.

The following locations recur in patrol reports, operational summaries, and medal citations:
Tamet – Isolated desert airfield targeted during SAS ground raids.
Sirte – Coastal air and supply hub.
Benghazi – Major Axis port and airfield complex.
Jalo Oasis – Strategic navigation and staging location.
Kufra – Deep desert stronghold and operational waypoint.
Murzuq – Desert fort and raid objective.