Desert Pirates
The New Zealand Herald presents Desert Pirates. This is the story of Kiwi soldiers who made history in North Africa during World War II as part of the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG), the forerunners to the NZSAS. Operating behind enemy lines, they navigated vast deserts by sun and stars, carrying out daring raids and reconnaissance missions under extreme conditions. But beyond the legend lies the reality. This series explores the brutal, often untold human cost of desert warfare, and the life or death decisions these men faced as individuals and as a unit. The series draws on extraordinary recordings made during wartime by the NZ Broadcast Unit on site in North Africa, combined with compelling narration by John Daniell and Noelle McCarthy and featuring interviews with historians and those close to the men of the LRDG. Desert Pirates is a NZ Herald collaboration with Bird of Paradise Productions, made with support from NZ on Air.
Episodes
Cairo, July 1940: British desert explorer Ralph Bagnold sets up a unit to raid and gather intelligence behind enemy lines. Ninety New Zealand soldiers from farming and mechanical backgrounds are selected to serve under four British officers.
SHORT FILM
Watch the short film featuring footage shot by members of the LRDG here: www.nzherald.co.nz/desertpirates
Desert Pirates is a Bird of Paradise and NZ Herald production.
Mad...
A successful operation deep in Italian territory brings the LRDG and Free French forces in Chad together. Getting home is tricky though – a man from Taihape makes an extraordinary barefoot journey over hundreds of miles in the desert.
SHORT FILM
Watch the short film featuring footage shot by members of the LRDG here: www.nzherald.co.nz/desertpirates
Desert Pirates is a Bird of Paradise and NZ Herald production.
Made...
German commander Erwin Rommel seems to have the upper hand, pushing the Allies back into Egypt. But the LRDG – often working hand in hand with the SAS – help strike a series of crucial blows.
SHORT FILM
Watch the short film featuring footage shot by members of the LRDG here: www.nzherald.co.nz/desertpirates
Desert Pirates is a Bird of Paradise and NZ Herald production.
Made with support from NZ On Air
More than 50 years later, LRDG veteran Ian Judge’s memories of the ill-fated campaign in the Greek Islands emphasize the real life impact of political decisions. New Zealand SAS acknowledge the legacy of the LRDG and former Defence Minister Judith Collins reveals the impact of New Zealand special forces units today.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Popular Podcasts
Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Building on the belief that a deeper understanding of the natural world enriches all of our lives, host Steven Rinella brings an in-depth and relevant look at all outdoor topics including hunting, fishing, nature, conservation, and wild foods. Filled with humor, irreverence, and things that will surprise the hell out of you, each episode welcomes a diverse group of guests who add their own expertise to the vast world of the outdoors. Part of The MeatEater Podcast Network.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.