ALTHOUGH HARSH AND INHOSPITABLE, THE NORTH AFRICAN THEATRE OF WORLD WAR II PROVED TO BE A PERFECT ENVIRONMENT FOR IRREGULAR WARFARE AND THE DEPLOYMENT OF SPECIAL FORCES. Following Italy's entry into the war in June 1940, the Western Desert became the background for a long conflict dominated by motorized units. The major combatants - Great Britain, Free France, Italy and Germany - all developed irregular units to exploit the unique conditions of the region with varying degrees of success. This book details the genesis, organization and tactics of these forces, including such famous units as the Long Range Desert Group and the Special Air Service.