Desert Warfare: From its Roman Orgins to the Gulf Conflict

by Lord Carver GCB, CBE, DSO, MC, Bryan Perrett

Overview

Approximately one-fifth of the earth's surface consists of desert, and throughout history these arid regions have witnessed some of the world's most decisive battles. Here, Bryan Perrett gives an absorbing account of desert conflicts from the first century BC to more contemporary conflicts such as those in Iran and Iraq. As he demonstrates, acclimatization and familiarization with the day-to-day problems of desert life are vital not only to teach troops how to protect themselves and their equipment, but also to bring them to terms with the harsh environment. The desert does not compromise, and battles fought there result in total victory or total defeat, often at horrific cost.

Initially released in 1988 by Patrick Stephens Limited, this re-issue marks a determination on the author's and the publisher's part to keep an esteemed publication in print.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781399020213
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	10/30/2024
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.20(h) x (d)

About the Author

Bryan Perrett was educated at Liverpool College. He served in the Royal Tank Regiment and was awarded the Territorial Decoration. A professional military historian for many years, his books include A History of the Blitzkrieg and Knights of the Black Cross: Hitler's Panzerwaffe and its Leaders. His treatise Desert Warfare was widely consulted during the Gulf War. His most recent works, including Last Stand!, At All Costs! and Against all Odds! examine aspects of motivation. During the Falklands and Gulf Wars, Bryan Perrett served as Defense Correspondent to the Liverpool Echo. He is the author of The Hunters and the Hunted (2012), Why the Germans Lost (2013) and Why the Japanese Lost (2014), all published by Pen and Sword Books.

Table of Contents

Foreword Field Marshal Lord Carver 7

Introduction The Nature of Desert Warfare 9

Chapter 1 'The Gatling's Jammed and the Colonel Dead' 13

Chapter 2 First World War (1): The Senussi War and the defence of Egypt 35

Chapter 3 First World War (2): Mesopotamia 47

Chapter 4 First World War (3): The Arab revolt, Sinai and Palestine 59

Chapter 5 'fox Killed in the Open' 76

Chapter 6 The Western Desert 1941-42: Battles of manoeuvre 105

Chapter 7 The Western Desert 1942-43: Battles of position 133

Chapter 8 Desert Elites 169

Chapter 9 Desert Warfare Since 1945 180

Bibliography 218

Index 219