EPISODE · Apr 23, 2026 · 9 MIN
WWII: The Kiwis in the world's first special forces unit
from Afternoons
The soldiers in the Long Range Desert Group fighting in World War II, rapidly got a reputation as and I quote "arguably the most dashing and successful irregular formation on either side in the entire war." The LRDG's role was reconnaissance and road-mapping, but they also made a name for themselves shooting up air bases, disrupting German supply lines and effectively becoming the world's first special forces unit. And the bulk of the soldiers in this unit were New Zealanders. A new podcast called Desert Pirates is coming out next week for ANZAC Day that celebrates these men. Here to tell us all about it is Noelle McCarthy from Bird of Paradise Productions.
What this episode covers
The soldiers in the Long Range Desert Group fighting in World War II, rapidly got a reputation as and I quote "arguably the most dashing and successful irregular formation on either side in the entire war." The LRDG's role was reconnaissance and road-mapping, but they also made a name for themselves shooting up air bases, disrupting German supply lines and effectively becoming the world's first special forces unit. And the bulk of the soldiers in this unit were New Zealanders. A new podcast called Desert Pirates is coming out next week for ANZAC Day that celebrates these men. Here to tell us all about it is Noelle McCarthy from Bird of Paradise Productions.
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WWII: The Kiwis in the world's first special forces unit
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