GEOFFREY CHARLES TASKER KEYES
The dramatic reversal of fortune that followed German General Erwin Rommel and the introduction of the vaunted Afrika Korps to the fighting in the North African desert brought the commander grudging respect from his British adversaries. By the autumn of 1941, the reputation of the ‘Desert Fox’ had grown substantially – and with it the desire to eliminate him.
The fighting in the Western Desert during World War II was marked by the ebb and flow of offensives, tremendous distance, and one of the world’s harshest climates. Decisive action was destined to take place there and senior British commanders wanted Rommel out of the way. Intelligence reports suggested that the general’s headquarters were located at Beda Littoria, a remote village in northern Libya near the ancient city of Cyrene. To confirm the enemy leader’s presence, Captain John Haselden, an officer of the famous Long-Range Desert Group (LRDG), parachuted into the area.
Haselden, who spoke fluent Arabic, made his way toward Beda Littoria 250 miles behind enemy
