The Long Range Desert Group was formed 80 years ago. Andrew Stone speaks to former member Jack Mann
Former Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) member Jack Mann, 94, is one of the last survivors of the daring reconnaissance and raiding unit that operated behind enemy lines in the deserts of North Africa during World War Two.
Jack, who lives in London with wife Helga, joined the army at age 17 while living in Egypt and worked as a radio operator for the unit: "My father was one of five brothers who studied in Nancy in France to be dentists," explained Jack. ’The eldest, my uncle Henry, was sent to Egypt to be a dental surgeon to King Fouad and Queen Nazli. When he got to Egypt, he told his bro others to join him as there were no dentists, only doctors.
