Tuesday 9 September 2014

Sea of Sand

Earlier in the year I put in an order with GHQ and bought all the vehicles I need to build a mid war LRDG patrol. Before I get started on them though I have been doing some research and hunting online for inspiration. In the process I came across this 1958 film, "Sea of Sand" (released in the US as "Desert Patrol"). 



Set in the days before the launch of Operation Lightfoot (the opening of 2nd Alamein) the film depicts one of many LRDG patrols sent out to destroy German supply dumps before the British offensive commences. The movie stars the late Richard Attenborough, John Gregson and Michael Craig and was filmed on location in Lybya.



I love a good war film and this is a pretty good movie. The films Technical Adviser was an ex LRDG man and this is reflected in the script and most of the equipment used. For instance the trucks are all Chevrolet 30 cwt WB trucks mounted with Vickers machine guns, which is accurate, but the British use Sten Guns which were not generally used by the LRDG. Also the German half trucks depicted are actually American half trucks, but on the whole the film is pretty accurate for the time when it was made. Well worth an hour and a half of your time if you haven't seen this film before.

11 comments:

  1. Ice Cold in Alex is great for the feel of the desert.

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    1. It's the film I think of when I think of films of the desert war.

      Have to keep my eyes open for this one now

      Ian

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  2. "Sea of Sand" is one of my favourite films. Yes it's not totally accurate when it comes to kit but still. I also like "Ice cold in Alex"

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    1. I love "Ice cold in Alex" as well, one of my all time favorites.

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  3. Sounds fantastic, Lee. "Ice Cold in Alex" has always been one of my favourite war movies, and I shall be looking out for "Sea of Sand"!

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  4. Thanks - I'll check it out!
    Just getting into my Western Desert gaming in anticipation of Battlegroup Tobruk coming out next year.
    Would love to hear you thoughts on what the top 10 books are for that theatre to get the juices flowing

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  5. @ Paul get 'TOBRUK' by Peter Fitzsimons. An amazing read!
    Not seen Sea of Sand but now I want to.
    cheers

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  6. Haven't seen it yet but definitely a good hint.
    Thanks, Lee.

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  7. Thanks for this tip, Lee. Sound like a good film for my next basing and flocking marathon.

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