The Search for Popski' s Lost Patrol

Soldier, author and adventurer James Davis, leads an expedition of amateur historians into the heart of the Sahara Desert in search Popski’s British Army lost patrol from World War Two. The team encounters brutal conditions including howling rain, challenging terrain and vehicle breakdowns. Will they be successful in their quest to uncover the final resting place of the special forces patrol from a bygone era?

[@andrewjones5513]

Who needs to watch the rubbish on TV when there are excellent documentaries like this on KZbin

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much, Andrew!

[@andrewjones5513]

@@travelbagphotography only one small thing, that magazine was from a Lewis gun, the vickers gun was belt fed

[@garysilver718]

WOW!!! Very interesting video. I had a similar experience in 1960 . I was in the U S Army and stationed in Germany. An petroleum company in Libya ran across the remains of the crew of the Lady Be Good (B-24 ) that went down in the Sahara about 80 mi. west of Egypt in 1943. I was assigned to the Army Mortuary in Frankfurt and was sent down to Libya in Herc 30s with our equipment to search for the remains of the crew. While in the desert and sleeping next to my 3/4 ton vehicle it rained. It hadn’t rained in 11 yrs. We were there for 30 days and located 2 members of the 3 remaining crew.

[@travelbagphotography]

Wow, that would have made a great documentary!

[@robinharris6771]

My Mom was an Army Nurse with the 81st station hospital in Bizerte 1943. I recall her talking about the B-24. As I recall,what triggered our conversation was a group of restored military aircraft came to town for an airshow. IIRC she said "I heard a B-24 today" She still recognised the plane sounds. Its been a long time,I may have the detail wrong...but she told the story of those men being lost. Its a thing she knew of from being there.

[@garysilver718]

@@robinharris6771 I live here in Michigan and a couple of miles from me is Willow Run Airport where the B-24 was built . It now houses the Yankee Air Force museum. On holidays they fly the old planes and they do have there own sound.

[@duncnz9128]

Thanks for that . My dad was in the LRDG and knew Popski very well , I have 3 copies of his book ,one autographed to dad . I was surprised and delighted to see your documentary . Not many people have heard of the LRDG let alone the PPA , I believe there were other small raiding /scouting units in the Desert at that time . The LRDG was misused by the British High Command after the Desert war and were sent to fight in the Aegean Islands , because of that the New Zealand troops were removed from the LRDG by the NZ Government and returned to unit . PPA went on to fight very effectively on the Italian mainland . The one thing that gets me about Popski's book is when he scores large quantities of eggs and having no time to cook them sucks them raw , Yuck . Dad was just 18 ( under age ) when he went to war and after he got back to Egypt from fighting in Greece he joined the LRDG , after a lot of adventures an officer discovered he was under age , as a result he was Returned to Unit, NZ Divisional Cavalry , Badly wounded in a Tank battle he was back home in NZ by mid 1943 . He became a farmer after being de mobbed and eventually died of wounds at the age of 43 . I grew up knowing many men who had been in the LRDG , they would get together, drink whiskey, and talk about old times and I would sit and listen , they were all ordinary men who had done extraordinary things and were now , Accountants , Lawyers , Truck Drivers , Farmers etc . Cheers Dunc

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

Really nice to hear that story. Sounds like your Dad was quite the character and hopefully his years were full. I do think it says something that the LRDG had many nationalities in it, but it always seems the Kiwis were always where the action was.

[@johnradburn84]

Respect to your Dad.

[@travelbagphotography]

Wow, that is incredible.

[@Free-Bodge79]

Awesome. Absolute respect. 👊💛👍

[@user-rp5eb1vn9q]

Lucky you. What a story and so amazing you've met real LRDG members. Nice that you've shared this.

[@oneofdavidsmightymen]

Fantastic. My dad met Popski in Italy and I have known about him from 1975 he is unknown to many in the U.K. sadly as his contribution was immense in many ways

[@travelbagphotography]

Wow. What a fantastic meeting. I had never heard of Popski either, until James mentioned him to me in 2019.

[@michaelvalentine4867]

Read his book

[@oneofdavidsmightymen]

@@michaelvalentine4867 I have many times since 1975

[@raypurchase801]

@@michaelvalentine4867 BRILLIANT BOOK. Thrilling.

[@Nickwillfixit]

Fell over this documentry, while poking around looking for more on the LRDPG as my Grandad was part of this marauding very brave menthe things they did and the hardship's they endured, my grandad did get a medal for his service but very rarely could I get much information out of him, the only time he sometimes talked of his time out there was VE day celebrations and then were more stories of the men who served with him and had passed away that year, my grandad lived until his 83rd year, I was 15, we shared a bedroom and yes he died that night, strange he seemed to know it was his time and gave me his trunk and contents the day before, and said I will be dead when you wake for your paper round say nothing to my mum his daughter just say he is sleeping in and dad will find him when he gets in from work he worked nights, my grandfather said he read about his death in a book and when he looked to find it to show me there was no book, when I got home after a tearful paper round the rest of the family were sitting round the kitchen table I said I knew and relayed what had occurred in the last 24hrs, strange thing though the book turned out to be his war diary wrapped in brown paper addressed to me with the date of his passing written in a handwriting no one recognised nor knew about, I swear he visited me often until we moved. He was a great influence in my early years. Sorry side tracked I recognised all the vehicles on the expedition bar the oddly shaped Landi with a very long front end and an engine that sounded like a wheezy British Leyland four banger any info would be appreciated.

[@travelbagphotography]

Wow, Quite the story, Nick. May I kindly suggest you become a member of the LRDG Preservation Society on Facebook? I think they would appreciate the information from your Grandad's journey. It would be a great way to celebrate his legacy.

[@PetePPA]

Hi, Really enjoyed your documentary. My father Lieutenant Brian Thomas was a member of PPA not in Africa but in northern Italy and spent a considerable time in Venice and Ravenna where he created Popski's Private Navy which consisted of a few RCL's where he and his fellow men did some daring deeds. Thank you for helping to keep PPA alive it means a lot to me and my family when we see things like this. Kind regards Pete Thomas

[@travelbagphotography]

Wow, that is incredible. Hats off to your father. And thank you for your kind comments, Pete.

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

Really nice to hear those comments Pete. I remember reading about the PPA 'navy' and how they kept the unit active behind the lines along the Italian coast. Glad you enjoyed the film.

[@markjames9205]

I just stumbled across this video on KZbin. Since I was a kid( I’m 55 now ) I’ve been fascinated with the LRDG and their adventures in North Africa . What a awesome adventure you guys have had! Very informative and entertaining. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@travelbagphotography]

You are certainly welcome.Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brucewooley8694]

I like the guy who could see only the beauty of the desert; be it storm, sun, wind, or fair. And always had a sterling attitude as he experienced his great adventure with his team members.

[@johnwitte551]

I owned and read popskis's autobiography many times and many years ago thank you for bringing this to life! cannot wait for more stories.

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

Hi John, similar story. I found a copy in a used book shop in the late 1980's and read it many times. Had a huge influence on me as I was serving in an infantry reconnaissance platoon at the time. Still find his story fascinating.

[@johnwitte551]

@@PopskisPrivateExpeditions 6 years an infantryman in the Australian Army

[@travelbagphotography]

Thank you so much for your kind words, John. We appreciate it.

[@iandeare1]

Same here, but once visiting an Aunt, knowing I was a reader, she asked me what I was reading, I explained Popski's Private Army, expecting like everyone else, she'd not know... She'd dated a member!

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

@@iandeare1 Haha, now that gave me a chuckle! Hard to tell what adventures our older relatives got up to that we would never have guessed. I hope your aunt found the PPA member a gentleman.

[@thetruthwillout3347]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video and your incredible expedition. My great uncle was LRDG and he used to tell me stories of his time in North Africa when I was a little boy in the 70's. I was mad keen on anything to do with the war and he fascinated me. One I recall is when they were escaping back to friendly lines and evading capture by marching at night and hiding in caves during the day.....could it have been this patrol? He actually gave me his small escape compass, cloth LRDG epaulette slides, a silk escape map and a German iron cross! All these items I still have in my collection today. After the desert campaign ended he was sent to the Balkans region and I have a copy of a report detailing a covert mission to monitor German shipping movements out of Trieste harbour....he's mentioned in the personnel list for the observation patrol. He died many years ago and sadly I never got to find out anymore about his wartime exploits. He was a lovely man and ill never forget him. Sgt Bill Tutt-Harris RIP.

[@travelbagphotography]

Wow. Thank you so very much for sharing the story of your great-uncle. It is the memory of these men we wish to preserve and remember. Was your great-uncle from England? New Zealand?

[@travelbagphotography]

You may wish to join the Long Range Desert Group Preservation Society on Facebook. I enquired about your great uncle's to the group and someone very quickly responded with this: Willam A Tutt-Harris, T/219010, R.A.S.C. Driver & Sergeant of Heavy Section. (The RASC is Royal Army Service Corps.)

[@mbrown6930]

Great film, just about to watch it for the second time. James's comment about missing the comradeship of the armed forces hits the mark for me. Well done on the film, Marty.

[@travelbagphotography]

Glad you enjoyed it! Comradeship is not easy to find outside the military.

[@alwynvanwyk1851]

​ You have to suffer together in some way or another to form that unbreakable brotherhood that civilians don't know. Even in the best of team sport you do not get that bond... Great expedition, great team, great vehicles, and great homage to those that didn't come home. 🦂 🦇 🇿🇦 🦇 🦂

[@Deontjie]

Great film. I am jealous I could not be there. But how many sets of clean clothes did they take along? And did they wash the cars and the tyres before each shoot?

[@travelbagphotography]

@@Deontjie Minimal clothing. In fact, you can watch Jame's clothes get dirtier and his beard grows longer as the days wear on! I love that. The cars were never washed but we did encounter rain on several occasions.

[@user-jf5mh8xj5m]

@@travelbagphotography in fact none of these were rehearsed or acted for the documentary, real life clips put together! never thought it would turn out this good... well done Marty!

[@bobyoung1698]

Amazing. I first learned of Popski from my uncle, a scout with the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater. Over the years I spent looking for information, many people told me that he was a myth created by the British Eighth Army to frighten the Germans and Italians. Many years later, I figured I knew just about everything there was to know. Then I discovered this. This is great work. I like how you integrate historical and modern footage.👍

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks for the compliments, Bob! Much appreciated.

[@lawrencefox563]

You found the lost patrol ,now they're no longer lost.

[@gerrymataia7554]

LRDG - largely comprised of New Zealanders and the fore runner to the SAS. A proud era for the NZDF and all those who were also part of this unit. Remember, the LRDG was completing missions and recon deep behind enemy lines before Sterling decided to rebrand it (SAS) and copy the kiwis ingenuity ie ability to fix their own gear, raid strategies etc

[@travelbagphotography]

Absolutely correct.

[@grandfinalchapter2681]

James, simply amazing trip you took us all on. Thank you for doing this video and all the luck in the world to you. clearly you do this because you love it but I suspect the subscribers will come very soon with this quality of work. Best of luck

[@TheSpikegreenwood]

My grandad was in Popskis army. James Armfield from a Lancashire regiment. Absolute hero. Thank you for this video and research

[@billmorgan7070]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. Appreciated

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks for the compliment, Edith!

[@raypurchase801]

Deserves a movie.

[@travelbagphotography]

@@raypurchase801 Thanks, Ray!

[@egnbigdave]

My Grandad served with the RAF as groundcrew in North Africa - manning temporary foreward airstrips, living out of a tent eating Bully beef and army buscuits. It's fascinating to see the terrain he would of served in - it really fleshes out his stories. RIP Joe

[@travelbagphotography]

Wow. What great memories to have of your Grandad.

[@MarcDufresneosorusrex]

: 0 tough sob ( in the desert? )

[@egnbigdave]

@@MarcDufresneosorusrex yep. The main squadron stayed back, his lot went just behind the front lines, found a firm patch of sand, made a runway and set up. They were almost overran in the lead up to El Alamain whyen we were retreating - escaped with the rear guard. The pilots had already taken the airceaft to safety, Grandad and his mates had to pack everything else into two trucks, along with about 15 Groundcrew (only had 3 ageing captured italian rifles between all of them..and a desk jockey officer who read the maps wrong and directed them straight towards Rommels tanks - were only stopped by the rear guard (everyone else was heading in the opposite direction!!)

[@MarcDufresneosorusrex]

@@egnbigdave incredible read, couldn't imagine but it's nice to have a taste of his experience

[@ericbeaton7211]

I remember reading Popski’s Private Army as a teenager. It was a book I never got tired of reading.Really enjoyed the video. Thank you for the time , effort and hard work that you have all put into this project.

[@travelbagphotography]

You are most welcome, Eric. It was truly and honour and a privilege for me to tell this story.

[@QuicknStraight]

Very interesting and well produced. Quite how the Romans managed to keep up that chain of forts into the deep desert, with supply only possible by camel, and the harshness of the conditions, is amazing.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks for your kind words. Yes, it is amazing to stand on one of those old Roman forts and think about what it took to serve there while turning around in a circle and seeing nothing but desert sand.

[@anthonycollingridge970]

LRDG - The first Special Forces. They laid the ground work for Stirling's SAS

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

That is very true. First real British special forces in the modern sense. It all started there.

[@pcka12]

LRDG were not so much involved in sabotage as scouting, so they found the way for the SAS

[@naradaian]

Its 60 years since i last read or indeed first heard of Popski and lrdg, cant recall the paperback now. When young i rented a cottage from Colonel Stirling for a pound a week.....good landlord ...had a bunch of landrovers / jeeps in tunnels behind his stately home

[@juliaforsyth8332]

Stirling stole the idea from the New Zealanders and took all the credit. Not a popular name in NZ.

[@pcka12]

@@juliaforsyth8332 what he stole the idea of parachuting out into a storm & losing much of his force to no profit? Because that is how Sterling's operations started! Also the Long Range Desert Group was already established at that time with a primary mission of scouting & not sabotage.

[@Treasuremonk]

This is best thing I’ve watched on KZbin in months! I spent a month in Sicily looking for a P 38 airplane in a missing pilot, so I understand the trials and tribulations of a project like this !

[@travelbagphotography]

That would make an interesting documentary!

[@johnbradshaw354]

Very interesting and great endevour by all who took part. A great tribute of memory of the original LRDG and Popski's soldiers who took part in this operation and to those who never returned. Lest we forget! Thank you for sharing.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks John. it was one of the goals of the documentary to keep alive the story of the LRDG and PPA.

[@terencefranks1688]

a great pity that the latter day western politicians don't ever think of these sacrifices,as they concentrate on their own agaenda of the destruction of Europe !

[@madgardener5820]

Brilliant documentary. I met John some years ago just after he'd returned from an earlier expedition in a green Land Rover at the time. He taught me how to fix a puncture if I ever found myself in a desert! Along came the 110 and, now that I was his plumber, I was lucky enough to witness its transformation into the vehicle we see here - such a lot of work went into it. At times it looked like a Land Rover shaped shed but the hard work certainly paid off. From watching this documentary and Topless as well it's xlear John wasn't the only one working hard to build a dessert ready truck. Well done to you all and here's looking forward to the next one.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks for your comment! I'll let John know your kind words.

[@andrewwilson8317]

Little tip from bitter experience- cover steering wheel with a wool cover. Saves burning hands on a hot wheel!! Wool never gets too hot or cold, absorbs sweat and is nice on hands!

[@mikehobart]

I grew up in the 1950s when many people were writing books about the war, so like many people I read about POPSKI'S PRIVATE ARMY and THE PHANTOM MAJOR. Nice to see they are still remembered.

[@alwynvanwyk1851]

This was one of the best short private documentaries I've ever seen. I did read the book, and did some "couch research", but what you've put together is amazing. I would have given my "left one" to be part of it.... The team is amazing, with emphasis on "team. " I think your brotherhood was the same as Popski's team when the going was getting tough.. The amazing footage, the spirit, the rain, the Landies, ( and their repairs ) out of this world. As a total Landy Nutcase, an ex-military man, and a Desert dweller, this was my best highlight.... Thank you, well done, great expedition. 🇿🇦 🏅 🏅 🏅 🇿🇦

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks, Alwyn! James always welcomes newcomers to his expeditions!

[@007JHS]

My Dad spent years with the British Army across North Africa... he had lots of tales to tell... I'd have loved to join this group on their expedition.

[@travelbagphotography]

Wow, that is cool about your father. Check out www.popskis-private-expeditions.com and join us!

[@canadianhienz57]

Marty - this was excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed the documentary and am blown away with the cinematic elements. The images you captured told the story with the voice commentary confirming what was seen and filling in the blanks. Thank you for this great story!

[@travelbagphotography]

Thank you for your kind words, Roy. it was a real team effort!

[@TonyMoss-zo9wy]

I thoroughly endorse every word of Roy’s comments . This was an excellent documentary. To the highest tv standards.

[@travelbagphotography]

@@TonyMoss-zo9wy Thank you so much, Tony.

[@malcolmgreenhill4955]

My dad was one of the youngest in the L.R.D.G. out in Kufra. Dennis ( SNOOKY ) Greenhill. Im Very Proud of him. He used to talk about Popski . Regards Mal

[@travelbagphotography]

Wow, that's very cool. I am humbled to tell the story connected to your father. I hope this film helps to keep his memory and so many other's alive.

[@malcolmgreenhill4955]

@@travelbagphotography regarding my dad, Dennis Greenhill . He was a mechanic and also a driver. There's a book out ( Sting of the Scorpion ), my dad is mentioned in it. He was driving Ralph Bagnold , along with other vehicles and for what ever reason they drove into a German occupied town and needless to say made a more hasty exit. For years the veterans of the L.R.D.G would have a day in London at the reunion and also go up to Hereford S.A.S and have a yearly reunion there too. Troopers waited on the ( by now increasingly older men ). I'd have loved to have been a fly on the wall. It must have been quite a day. He never told me about his and his fellow comrades days at Hereford. Bless him. Regards Mal.

[@travelbagphotography]

@@malcolmgreenhill4955 Wow. Thank you so much for sharing that. My hat goes off to your father and all the other fathers in the LRDG/SAS/PPA.

[@magdyosman3511]

This is a great ENGLISH jurny for died persons of army and only old men can do because they know what is the meaning of life . أنه عمل ومجهود عظيم للأنجليز فيه تعريف بقيمة الجنود وفقط كبار السن هم من أكثر الناس علما بقيمة الحياة ...... ااااه اه اه على جنودنا رحمهم الله جميعا

[@travelbagphotography]

Thank you for your insight. Very much appreciated.

[@WessexBladesHandMadeKnives]

A pleasure to meet D686 this morning near Bath, thanks for the show and tell and popping the hood etc.

[@travelbagphotography]

Hope you washed your hands afterwards. You never know where a scouser's hands have been!

[@user-yj3be2js9d]

Fantastic! Thank you so much for the great insight into the WWII in the North African desert. My grandfather was an MPO in the desert for 4 years of the war. A remarkable expedition and mechanic Bill Morgan should have his own demanding desert repair shop channel ! Fixing Land Rovers with fairy liquid and desert welding is just brilliant!

[@travelbagphotography]

You are quite welcome and we agree with you! We thought "Bill's Desert Garage" would be an apt title!

[@ronayling1979]

My Dad would supply the LRDG out on Patrol, he was in the RAOC and drove supply trucks and tank transporters, he would tell us tales of using sun compasses and trig points brewing tea in a petrol can and the ups and downs of desert warfare we listened enthralled for hours as kids :)

[@travelbagphotography]

Wow. Your father's legacy lives on in you. Thanks for sharing.

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

Thanks Ron. Part of the fun in these trips is living that desert overland lifestyle, living out of our trucks, sleeping under the stars, navigating with not much more than a bearing and some fairly blank maps.

[@brucesmith5741]

What a story! I had no idea about the PPA and to find remains must have taken a huge undertaking. A tribute to the sacrifice the brave WW2 solders made. Great production. Well done.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much, Bruce!

[@lisanorton3829]

So glad you enjoyed it Bruce x

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

Finally! Our doco lives! Well done Marty

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks, mate. It was an honour and a privilege to tell your story!

[@jrrsch]

Brigadier Ralph Bagnold pioneered much of the desert navigation and driving techniques in the period between WWI &WWII. Especially the sun compass, some interesting books on his desert travels if you care to look.

[@travelbagphotography]

As did Popski. Both men were ahead of their time.

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

Will be interesting to try out those sun compasses on our next expedition. Looking forward to the challenge. We Also used Bagnold's book on the mechanics of sand in our early research into the expedition.

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

After watching the video a couple of times now I am often increasingly curious about the ancient history of the area, not just the WWII history. The Roman forts are the very visible manifestations that we came across, but looking at some other maps the djebel between the sand sea and the coast is littered with megalithic ruins. I am sure actual archaeologists have studying the area thoroughly but for me, much more to learn and possible explore.

[@travelbagphotography]

Absolutely. I'm looking forward to Wilder's gap.

[@daniellebcooper7160]

Popski's book about his adventures during ww2, is not only interesting, but is an enjoyable read due to it being so well written.

[@travelbagphotography]

We are lucky to have it.

[@tommy4244]

A great documentary! As a Veteran and Land Rover owned I was hooked. Keep up the good work 👍

[@billmorgan7070]

Many thanks for your interest

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much, Tommy!

[@martiniv8924]

My dad was in North Africa from 39’ to 43’ he used to occasionally run supplies out to the LRDG and Popski’s out in the Desert (spare parts Etc.) he loved the Desert, I guess that’s why I have spent the best part of 30 years in the Middle East

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

There is something about the desert. Personally I love the open space. Not many places in the world where you can drive on a compass bearing for days and never see anyone. I imagine your Dad love the desert...as long as no one was shooting at him!

[@martiniv8924]

@@PopskisPrivateExpeditions yes indeed 100% , he loved it, but not the bad bits. Apart from the beauty of the Desert, until you have gotten sand into places you wouldn’t have believed, you haven’t lived 😉

[@billmorgan7070]

Excellent work Marty. I can't imagine the amount of work you have put in to create this documentary.. many thanks.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thank you, Sir William. It was a pleasure to record your antics... and drink your whiskey.

[@everyexhaustpart5220]

Thank you Bill, for directing us to your video, after recently purchasing some parts for his Landrover. Absolutely fascinating!! It's been a pleasure talking to you over the last week, and I wish you and the team the very best of luck in your next adventure. Shout out to the film maker in the production of this video too. Amazing work! Looking forward to seeing the next installment of your quest. Good luck!!!

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks for your kind words!

[@andypilkington-steele8573]

Thank you so very much for this film,... absolutely outstanding work and effort by all members of the team.... so jealous i could not be part of it. I fell in love with the LRDG a very long time ago ( 62yrs old now ) and the love never fades.

[@travelbagphotography]

You are most welcome!

[@billmorgan7070]

62! A mere youngster. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Reewen]

What an amazing documentary. Thank you so much for documenting this trip, I had a blast watching this. Just watching this gave me a real adventure feeling, it must have been amazing actually being there, going on an adventure like this

[@travelbagphotography]

Wow. Such kind feedback. Thank you!

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

Thanks Reewen. It might be why our group keeps growing. Once you have done something like this you can't wait to get back out there again

[@benmiller5303]

Read Popski's book years ago. Recently found Victor Gregg's book as well. Good video, always like to see Landrovers and improvisation.

[@billmorgan7070]

Many thanks for your comments and Interest. It was a great trip and a great adventure with an outstanding group of people. Regards

[@harryveal4433]

In the comments below is a testimony to justify & bolster any storyteller and an accolade to a weaver of dreams. Forget the number of hits and laurels, you brought to life a precious memory for a man who was inspired by his kin, that man directly connected to the history, a witness to the reality of what took place just beyond living memory. Documenting PPA’s Lost Patrol rekindled that precious memory of an LRDG man who was part of that crucial North African WW2 legend of 80 years ago. Their efforts & those of the SAS, the 8th Army and others that followed, were pivotal in turning the tide against the Nazis giving momentum to the Allies and us the freedom to tell their, and our story. You carried that Great Nephew back into his memories and placed him where his great uncle once was. I would say that was something very rare and very special. M

[@travelbagphotography]

Quite a privilege, indeed.

[@mikehaines6520]

Very interesting- My Dad was a “Military man” and served through the 2nd world war, - He didn’t serve in the deserts though. He liked his military histories and Popski’s Private Army was one of his staples, - I think he found their stories motivational. It’s a topic that I knew little about and find this illuminating. One thing I get is the lack of stress when things go wrong, - simply a challenge to solve, guess that’s the military perspective.

[@travelbagphotography]

Lack of stress when the going gets tough is a characteristic James does well!

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

Absolutely Mike. When I was a young soldier in a reconnaissance unit I used Popski's accounts as a motivation for much of the rest of my career and even post military working with NGOs around the world.

[@colinhefferman5498]

This is fantastic. The logistics in setting this in motion are staggering. Great work.

[@travelbagphotography]

Awesome, thank you!

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

Colin, you are right about the logistics. It almost became a second full time job organizing the first trip, but by the 2022 expedition we had a good team established and everyone took on responsibilities, so things ran much smoother.

[@Daijyobanai]

Nice to see a Lightweight keeping up with the Defenders.

[@travelbagphotography]

In a lot of times the Lightweight was ahead of the Defenders!

[@Bawdsey64]

I read about Popski's Private Army some 60-plus years ago. This video has provided that added detail that makes one realise the actual conditions.

[@travelbagphotography]

Glad the documentary had a favourable effect!

[@MikeDent]

Excellent! Thanks for documenting and sharing your expedition! Well done. Great work.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks Mike! You are most welcome.

[@johnsimpson2704]

What an amazing video Marty!!! Thanks for the history lesson James! It was great to see you guys have a good and successful trip. Looking forward to the next adventure.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks John! It was an amazing team!

[@gchristian3915]

An excellent documentary that helps one understand the terrain that the PPA had to cope with. It has helped flesh out the reading of Popski's book and also Bob 'Park' Yunnie's account of serving as Popski's second-in-command.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much Graham! Excellent feedback.

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

I read Popski's book years before I came across Bob Yunnie's account. But it fleshed out so much that together I think you can get a real feel for what the PPA accomplished during the war.

[@pauldarke8024]

Brilliant documentary, well done to all who participated.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much, Paul. Appreciate it.

[@danielreichert2025]

My father was there during operation torch and he also narrowly escaped the battle of Kasserine pass. After having a lieutenant put a phosphorus grenade on the engine of his half track that wouldn’t start as to not leave a repairable vehicle in the Germans hands.. Ty for a very interesting story about the popskis unit.

[@travelbagphotography]

You are welcome! You father was a part of the greatest generation and that is something to be proud of.

[@johnstaring3210]

What a pearler of a program. Well done to all of you. I have read about Popski so to now see this is total fascination. Having spent several years in Australian Special Forces (Vehicle Mounted Troop SASR) in the 1970's I am also familiar with many of the issues you experienced with the Landrovers so it was also interesting to see your way around them. Our troop moto became; "A third class ride is better than a first class walk". I have seen the Chev' ute from the LRDG in the Imperial War Museum and have always wondered what became of all of them. Thanks again.

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

John, great to hear from another vet, especially someone who has been in a mobility troop! Of my friends who went through selection in the UK, they all wanted mobility troop and it is easy to see the attraction. Much less humping a ruck around.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks, John!

[@cla156]

Absolutely fascinating documentary that I’ve heard so much about as I work with Lisa. To see it all on film finally and learn about both the PPA & LRDG is incredible. Well done to all involved for keeping a little known part of history alive.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much for your kind words. We appreciate it!

[@jbradshaw4236]

Enjoyed this very much. My grandfather was a royal engineer with the 8th Army in North Africa. My father RAMC on the 60s and myself Royal Signals in the 90s. Enjoyed this very much indeed.

[@user-bo1sv4mv5h]

This was fascinating and extremely well done. I learned so much and what a fun adventure! Looking forward to the next one!

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@stevenlynskey7879]

Thanks for sharing this,what an awesome adventure retracing the steps of those brave men,brilliant 👍

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much, Steven!

[@davidneale6950]

I'd forgotten about the PPA, although I'd read a little about them in my teens (long before the Internet) when one actually read books 😊 As a former serviceman I'd have loved to taken part in this expedition.

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

What we do does seem to appeal to veterans. They make great team members so a good fit

[@michaelvalentine4867]

Popski's private army buy the book I have one copy it's great reading they go into Italy as well .best regards

[@davelees8022]

Hi, read the book as a school kid in the early 60s. One of my favourite reads, so I enjoyed the video immensely as a reminder of the story and the visuals that sort of matched the imagined terrain of a teenager who had never seen a dessert. Thanks so much for your work. Cheers

[@billmorgan7070]

Many thanks for your interest

[@manofaction1807]

I loved those Land Rovers. Had one of my own back in the shit, it ran like a champion, no matter how much lead I attracted.

[@travelbagphotography]

The Landys tend to have a way of taking care of their owners.

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

I think the 'newest' truck we had was 16 years old and oldest 40. They do just keep going and going and if you take care of them they take care of you

[@manofaction1807]

@@PopskisPrivateExpeditions One of the best vehicles I ever had.

[@garybrindle6715]

Great doc, superb edit and excellent demo of drone usage. Storytelling top notch. Good teamwork thanks to all involved, expeds dont just happen by chance.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thank you for your ever so kind comments. You are right. Expeditions don't just happen by chance! This one way amazing leadership and vision.

[@kjay8589]

Super great work, Martin! I admire your adventurous spirit, your skills, your belief in and celebration of life and history, and your gift of story. Congratulations on this achievement and sharing it with the world.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much, K. PS. Are you in my ex-wives club? I'm sensing you are!

[@kjay8589]

Lol, I believe I am! Altho I haven’t received the official club membership card yet…

[@bryanjohnson5809]

Really enjoyed this film, I have previously read about Popski Private Army, books now retrieved from my bookcase to re-read with your visuals of the desert landscape my memory. I really liked how you show cased the parallel theme of constant mechanical struggles with vehicles the same as the PPA and LRDG would had to face, great content thank you.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much, Bryan. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Fran-fv6pf]

This was amazing. Thanks for your efforts. RIP So much is owed to so few.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much, Fran! So very true.

[@Fran-fv6pf]

@@travelbagphotography Thank you. It was really good, it evoked a 'realness' about it and of course, twas like Landie heaven. I thought I knew nearly everything about that theatre of WW2, but the PPA had passed me by. Interesting how they played a part in suppressing (political move) Tito's army along the Austrian border circa April 1945. I obviously Googled everything PPA related after your video. Peace out.

[@markfryer9880]

Interesting documentary! I read some books in school in @1980 81 about Popski's Private Army as well as the SAS and the LRDG, so I knew something about the topic going in. I did some service in the Australian Army Reserve 1988 to 95 and during Exercise Kangaroo '89 I drove an Army 110 Defender from Melbourne to Darwin.

[@travelbagphotography]

Excellent! On a personal note, driving my truck camper across Australian is on my bucket list!

[@snafufubar]

There's a good book about the PPA by Bob Yunnie. He died in the Congo working as a mercenary. Well worth a read.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks for this!

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

Many years after first finding Popski's book I came across Bob Yunnie's. Sadly not much is known about what drew Yunnie to the Congo, but it was a sad end to his tale.

[@patrickh9937]

Terrific film. I've had a long fascination with both of these units- going back to when my Dad was getting a new Time/Life World War 2 book every other month in the early 80s. Each one covered a different facet or theater of the war. Great to see you working on this and having so much success with it.

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

Thanks Patrick, happy to hear you enjoyed it. We think it is important to keep this history alive. The new 'Rogue Heroes' show sort of rekindled an interest in the desert war in the 1940's and hopefully our film adds to that. Cheers!

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much, Patrick!

[@lukeskywalker7566]

I am a Herefordshire lad and this is the garrison town of our famous SAS regiment.I have great respect for their fore fathers of the PPA and the lRDG who led the way into irregular warfare God bless them past and present.

[@travelbagphotography]

Agreed. Hopefully this film will help to keep their memories alive.

[@alanfhall6450]

Well done, Matey. To quote a great man: 'Almost looks like you know what you are doing.' I can appreciate the amount of time and effort you put into this - and the amount of unused footage (the less of me, the better 🤠).

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks, Alan!

[@Mercmad]

The Pic at 7:13 is a New Zealand group ,note the lemon squeezer hat. One of my uncles was in the LRDG. When he and his comrades were landed in North Africa,they discovered the ship that had all their equipment on had been sunk, So there was a large group of New Zealand Soldiers standing around doing nothing much,when it was decided that they could be used as a secret forward raiding force .The LRDG was formed using NZ soldiers and English Officers. They were issued Chevy and Ford Trucks, fitted with large balloon tires and painted pink. In the morning and evening sun,that pink colour blended them into the surrounds . One of the kids I was at school with in NZ ,also had a connection to the LRDG as her father served with my uncle... As they were young men there were always things to amuse themselves like drinking the antifreeze from the tricks engines. As they were supposed to be a secret unit, no decorations and so on were offered despite some pretty hair raising things they got up to. A lot of the arms they had on the trucks were captured Italian and German weaponry ,especially the mobile Italian machine guns. The Italians having decided that peace was better than fighting... When that unit was dissolved and the troops deployed elsewhere,my uncle ended up at Casino where he was captured and spent the rest of the war as a POW, he contracted TB whilst in camp and didn't get home until 1946. He was one of the first in thre World to be treated with the then new drugs and almost cured. He spent the rest of his long life with half a lung missing ,and some ribs.

[@desertmandan123]

The desert is a mystical place, only those who have travelled or worked in it will ever truely understand what I mean. It's a harsh but rewarding place, like nowhere else I have ever been on this earth.

[@billmorgan7070]

I agree 😊

[@TheChrissy1977]

Didn’t know about Popski’s patrol. Great expedition and documentary. Really enjoyed that. Great upload. 👍

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@budman200210]

Incredible what ive just watched. Only a few weeks ago our boys discussed doing something very similar to this. Maybe we will do this now. Thank you,!❤

[@travelbagphotography]

Look up www.popskis-private-expeditions.com !

[@sadzasnake1755]

Many of my countrymen (Rhodesians) and Kiwis in the LRDG as well. Salute to some of the finest and fearless soldiers of the Second World War. “Sit Nomine Digna”

[@travelbagphotography]

My one regret in making the film is I didn't emphasize the nationalities which filled the ranks of the LRDG/PPA.

[@sadzasnake1755]

@@travelbagphotography as an Expat in Eritrea I was looking through a relatively small Commonwealth Cemetery in the nations Capital Asmara at the headstones noting where the soldiers had come from and was shaken to see how many South Africans, Indians and Africans were buried there. Along with many many RAF airmen and one Australian who was a 36 year old nurse Edith Mary Morton. I then went to sign the register and whilst glancing through the memorial information of each person buried there my eye caught sight of a name I was all to familiar with. I choked up instantly and my eyes welled up with tears and I ran to his plot and knelt in front of it in respect. You see the name I saw was “MARANDELLAS” which is very significant to me. Marandellas is the very town in Rhodesia where I was born and bred. Here in front of me was a man over half my age killed in action literally in the prime of his life. I felt so humbled and emotional knowing that this young man’s family had probably never had the privilege to visit his resting place. Thomas Scorror is the pilot that lay before me. Even writing about this now eight years on I still get emotional thinking about it. Brave men and women we owe so much to. Thank you. Respect ✊🏻

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

@@sadzasnake1755 It is something that should be told more. Especially for the Rhodesians who don't really have anyone to speak for them anymore. Lived in Zim for a few years and one of my favourite places on the planet. So, a soft spot for Rhodesian/Zim history

[@juliaforsyth8332]

@@travelbagphotography Stirling stole the idea from the New Zealanders, disbanded them and set up his own and took all thecredit. Not a popular person in NZ.

[@roberthunter5045]

Never heard of Popski or the PPA but this was a very interesting documentary ! Kudos to the folks who went out into the desert looking for their remains. Especially kudos to the "Welder" !! Did a great job keeping those jeeps going ! Very honorable making a monument of pieces of vehicles and unit names.

[@billmorgan7070]

"Kudos" gracefully accepted! Please don't call them " jeeps" that's very hurtful to us landrover people😂😂

[@esr243]

Fine Spirit & Stamina and desert vehicles. They remind my last unit’s motto: “Far Ahead”

[@billmorgan7070]

Yes. We survived as a group and achieved all we set out to do. And we had a great adventure with a great group of people. Regards

[@bobstride6838]

The first time that I was aware of Popski's Private Army was when I worked with a guy that had served with PPA. This was in the 70's, he had many hair raising stories to tell. I have been interested in the subject since then.

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

Bob, I envy you the chance to have met one of the PPA members. That would have been an honour. Unlike the SAS that is still around (and has a new TV show!), or LRDG that still has new books written about every year or two, the PPA is largely unknown and always in danger of being forgotten. So if this doc helps keep that memory alive a bit longer I will be happy

[@user-jf5mh8xj5m]

Very well done Marty, long awaited documentary is live now for everyone to watch. your hard work has paid off! many thanks !

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks, Sasi! Judging by the feedback, I think it was well worth the effort.

[@joereedsmith1531]

Very professional work, loved it thanks.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@niazali521]

Thanks guys for your efforts really enjoyed that

[@travelbagphotography]

Most welcome, Niaz!

[@tonyedwards9182]

What an amazing documentry! Very well put together, I really enjoyed watching it more than once.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks, Tony!

[@alexandercharehjoo7744]

Amazing documentary, even appreciate it more with the past military experience.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much, Alexander!

[@MapleMooseActual]

So well done Marty!!!! I really enjoyed the whole doc, the story, the camera work, the editing EVERYTHING you did amazing bud!!!

[@travelbagphotography]

Thank you, sir! I had a lot of help.

[@rjochheim]

Great trip and respect to you all doing it. I’m a Toyota Landcruiser guy so was a bit upset with the reliability of the Landrovers

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks. One of the key factors with Landy's is they are easy to fix and maintain so, although there were breakdowns, there was never an issue the team couldn't fix. That is what you need on an expedition like this,

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

My first 4x4 was an FJ40. Loved that thing. Would probably still be driving it but lent it to my brother Who got drunk and wrecked it. But got my passion for simple, rugged trucks started.

[@rjochheim]

@@PopskisPrivateExpeditions I’ve just restored a 1985 FJ utility

[@rjochheim]

@@PopskisPrivateExpeditions if you’ve got a 10mm, 12mm socket and a screw driver you can fix them lol

[@PopskisPrivateExpeditions]

@@rjochheim That is what is great about the older, pre-electonic, trucks.

[@TheOldaz1]

Thanks folks, nicely done.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@reddevilparatrooper]

This is truly a great adventure for you guys, Honestly this is truly insane because from what I saw that the North African desert is really bad. I have trained in Ft. Irwin California which is part of the Mohave Desert here in the US but it's not as bad as North Africa. General Patton trained his soldiers in the Mohave Desert before deploying to North Africa in November 8 1942. The only part where there is very fine sand in the US is East or Southern California past the El Centro Valley, just past West of Yuma Arizona on US Interstate 8. Going through terrain like the North African desert is worse than North America. I see that you guys are going through maybe early Spring which is good because Summer is brutal and has no rain at all. For me I live in Las Vegas Nevada and has the same or similar climate as North Africa and the Middle East from serving in Iraq from 2006-08. What a hell of an adventure you guys did...👍👍👍👍👀👀👀👀

[@travelbagphotography]

It certainly was an adventure! From your KZbin name, it looks like you have had some adventures as well. We had three former paratroopers on the expedition. Two Canadian and one British, (10 Para back in the day!), so the Airborne spirit was with us.

[@Rusty_Gold85]

Its why the Australians revelled in the desert . To the country troops it was how they lived on the land and worked the cattle and wheat Farms then play tough hard AFL Footy on the weekends , easily running 15km during a game

[@christycullen2355]

Literally just come across this, and as a avid ww2 fan, im shocked i didnt know about this. Thanks for the great content

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks Christy!

[@MapleMooseActual]

This documentary is incredibly done, it tells a story of a not so heavily documented group of Brits, I had ZERO idea of popski until I met you!! I enjoyed the aspect of getting right in as best as you could during break downs, tow outs, the story cuts with the addon photos as the episode progresses is great, not only do you tell the story of the original expedition and what they likely had to face, your team is recreating it, and keeping that piece of history alive AND uncovering some pieces that have been lost! The vehicles we amazing! Your whole crew is fantastic and everyone brought their own to it!! Drone shots were well done, bug close up (while subtle I loved it , the beetle burrowing in the sand) The excitement you captured when that bullet was found and then further on when the team finds the round drum magazine from the Vickers. You left the end with a question almost, and I really hope you get a chance to explore this story and such more!

[@travelbagphotography]

Wow. Fantastic feedback. Thanks so much!

[@hamishjames908]

@@travelbagphotography love your doco, but you could have told Moose Actual, most of thoese "brits" were poles and Kiwis, regards

[@travelbagphotography]

@@hamishjames908 Yes, you are correct but I am just the storyteller. I'm not responsible for anyone's thoughts except my own or for correcting other people's writing. Glad you loved it!

[@hamishjames908]

@@travelbagphotography my apologies, you are right. i more than lovd it, btw

[@ProfileP246]

Great lads! From Northern Ireland UK Loved it 🇬🇧👍

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@Love2Wander]

Amazing adventure love the history LRDG and the SAS. Stay safe on your adventures

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@Rich_Lambert]

What a great adventure!

[@user-ne6vi4tu1j]

Great documentary!

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much, Terry!

[@RogersRamblings]

An excellent expedition with a brilliant conclusion. I wish II was fit enough to participate. I'm looking forward to more.

[@billmorgan7070]

Many thanks for your interest. Regards

[@andygodward4539]

An excellent documentary, I'm familiar with the amount of work involved to both get the footage and then stitch it together plus the research too !

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks so much, Andy. I was fortunate to have a great team, especially the historical writers James Davis, Alan Hall and others. It took 4.5 months to edit.

[@samrodian919]

Brilliant video of a well planned and very successful expedition. Well done everyone involved! I have to ask about the extended front of the series 2 Land Rover, is it just S2 bodywork on an extended Land Rover, and what is under the bonnet that needs to be so long? R I P all those guys of the LRDG, PPA, and the fledgling SAS who never made it back home, and helped all of us to have the freedoms we now enjoy.

[@travelbagphotography]

Thanks for your kind remarks. SWe are releasing a video within the next month which turns the spotlight onto the vehicles used in the expedition. Subscribe and stay tuned!

[@user-nt7cn1tp6l]

Fabulous report, looking forward to this years report.

[@travelbagphotography]

Report?

[@giuseppe4909]

What an outstanding adventure !

[@travelbagphotography]

Thank you. It certainly was!