These remains of an LRDG Chevrolet were found in Wadi Wassa, South of Gilf Kebir, Western desert of Egypt.

LRDG truck nowadays

The badge of the LRDG depicted a black scorpion with the letters LRDG centered below it, within a silver circle. It was designed by “Bluey” Grimsey, who served in the unit. The badge presented a light resemblance to the badge of Italian Compagnia Auto-Sahariana which depicted a crab within a circle. Originally, LRDG's badge was a brooch pinned to LDRG members’ sweaters. They were made by jewelry makers of Cairo. Within a short time, such brooches started to be pinned to the black berets of Royal Tank Regiment. 

LRDG's badge

Maj P. A. Clayton (second from right) with officers of the Free French party which joined the LRDG for the Fezzan raids in January 1941, and whose camels had brought petrol in cases through the Tibesti Mountains. Lt-Col J. C. d’Ornano is second from the left. D’Ordano was killed  during the LRDG’s attack on Murzuk, on 11 January 1941. He was at the same truck as Clayton and was hit by a machine-gun bullet through his throat at close range. Col d”Ornano was the Commander of FF forces that fought along with LRDG that day.

Checking up

Major Patrick  Andrew Clayton (DSO MBE), formerly a British Surveyor, was the Commander of the New Zealander’s “T” Patrol Unit  of the LRDG. In the picture, he is standing in front of the Chevrolet truck T2 “Te Taniwha”. Lybia, 1940. Major Clayton was hurt and captured by Italians of the Compagnia Sahariana at the ambush at Gebel Sheriff (January 31, 1941) and remained a POW in Italy until the Armistice on 8 September 1943. After being released, he remained free in Italy, until 9 January 1944, when he ended up in German captivity. He was liberated on 12 April 1945 by US advancing forces, while in a POW camp in Czechoslovakia. He died suddenly of a massive aneurism on 17 March 1962, at the age of 66.  

Major P. A. Clayton LRDG

One of the LRDG’s trucks, most probably  Nz T7 (“Te Hau”), a Chevrolet WA, and the gun is a 37mm Bofors. This vehicle took part in the attack on Murzuk on 11 January 1941. 

Heavy-armed truck

LRDG’s “A” Squadron Headquarters Section (note plate on "Louise”: SQDN A1) of Chevrolet 30 cwt. The first two vehicles are armed with Vickers guns, and have canvas sand mats rolled up and stored on the front wheel arches. The “A” Squadron was formed by New Zealanders’ “T1”, “T2”, “R1” and “R2” Patrols. The “B” Squadron comprised British and Rhodesian Patrols. Lybia, 1942.

LRDG - A Squadron

New Zealander‘s “R” Patrol Chevrolet WB radio truck; the rod antenna can be seen on the right. The trucks were equipped with the Army no. 11 wireless set, designed for tanks. The man at the rear is manning a Boys anti-tank rifle. At the right front part of the truck, a Lewis gun. All LRDG patrols included a radio truck. Lybia, 1940.

LRDG Radio truck

A 'T1' NZ Patrol Chevrolet 1533X2 30 cwt of LRDG: the small drum behind the fender is the radiator condenser and the truck's sand channels are mounted on brackets on the rear bodywork. The weapons are the Lewis gun (left) and a .303 Browning Mk II (right). A Lee-Enfield is also available at driver’s right. 

LRDG Chevrolet truck

New Zealander Tpr R. J. Moore who walked  210 miles through the desert to avoid being captured by the Italians, after the ambush at Gebel Sherif (January 31, 1941). He was crewman of the truck “Te Aroha” (“T1” NZ patrol of LRDG) destroyed in the ambush. 
You can read more about his saga at http://www.ww2incolor.com/updates?g2_itemId=500843.

The Desert Walker

New Zealander "Te Anau II" of 'T1' Patrol of the LRDG was the only Chevrolet truck to survive air attack during the withdrawal from Operation Caravan (Barce Raid) and to make it back home. The vehicle was armed with two twin Browning machine guns.

Barce Raid - Lone survivor

Chevrolet 30 cwt 1533x2 truck “Tirau II” of the LRDG, NZ T”1” Patrol. One of the six “T1” Patrol trucks to attack the airport and train station of Barce, 13/14 September 1942, along with trucks and Jeeps of the “G1” British patrol. Barce Raid total force consisted of 17 vehicles (5 Jeeps and 12 trucks) and 47 men of 'G1' and 'T1' Patrols, which had to travel 1,155 miles (1,859 km) to reach their target. On arrival 'T1' Patrol attacked the airfield and 'G1' the Barce barracks. The attack on the airfield destroyed 35 aircraft according to an Italian prisoner of war. The attack was successfull, but only one truck (Te Anau II) and two Jeeps made it back home. The raid cost the LRDG six men wounded, all of whom recovered, ten prisoners of war (seven from T1 patrol and three from G1), several of whom were wounded. (Source: NZETC)

NZ Tirau IIU ii

Other LRDG’s NZ “T1” Patrol trucks destroyed in the ambush of Gebel Sherif by a patrol of the Italian Auto-Saharan Company were Tirau, (foreground), in which Cpl F. R. Beech was killed, and Te Aroha behind, from which Tpr R. J. Moore began his walk of 210 miles through the desert to avoid capture. 

Ambush of Gebel Sherif

The LRDG’s NZ truck Te Paki (T1 patrol, A Squadron) destroyed in the ambush of Gebel Sherif by a patrol of the Italian Auto-Saharan Company. (North Africa, 31 January 1941). New Zealanders of the LRDG gave their trucks Maori names.

Ambush!

Original caption: "Heavily laden Chevrolets of LRDG’s “R1” NZ Patrol setting out from Jalo oasis in 1942. The unit insignia was a Māori Hei-Tiki (barely seen on the bonnet of the lead vehicle, which carries its individual number "R4" on a dark square on the left fender)."

Ready to go!

Kasserine battle reenacting 9

An Italian Camionetta Desertica SPA TL-37 beside an abandoned gun position. The LRDG often came across de debris of battle, and recovered useful arms, ammunition and equipment.

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