6. The Long Range Desert Group’s Navigation Tricks
The British Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) in World War II navigated vast North African deserts using innovative techniques to outmaneuver Axis patrols. They employed the Bagnold sun compass, designed by Major Ralph Bagnold, to determine direction based on the sun’s position, as magnetic compasses were unreliable in the desert. Additionally, LRDG patrols utilized star sightings with theodolites and astronomical position tables to plot their positions accurately. To mislead enemy forces, they created false tracks and manipulated mirages to obscure their movements. These unconventional desert tactics significantly contributed to Allied advances. Details at Imperial War Museum.
