The Long Range Desert Group (L.R.D.G.) operated behind enemy lines during the North African campaign in WW2. It used a Chevrolet 15 cwt truck on a Canadian-built Chevrolet chassis. It was fitted with desert tyres and a big open body to hold all the gear and supplies for the long range sorties into the desert. With the extra load, they had extra leaves fitted into the springs, wireless and a condenser fitted onto the running board to conserve cooling water. Doors and door pillars were removed, extra spare wheels fitted, and mounts added for machine guns and anti-tank rifles. The load carried might be up to two tons, consisting of food, fuel, ammunition, water and explosives for demolition work. Sand-mats of canvas and steel sand channels were carried to assist through the many shifting sands and dunes.
For navigation, a sun compass was attached to the dashboard and sextants were also used to fix positions, much like the way mariners navigate at sea.
The LRDG was made up of volunteers and their main task was to observe and plot enemy movements behind the lines and report back by radio. Beards and other non-military practices and apparel were common given that this was not a regular Regimental unit.
The LRDG took delivery of new vehicles in May 1942, namely 30 cwt types with general military service steel bodies. These were more rugged than the original type of vehicle and more capacious.
