{"product_id":"desert-duel-new-zealands-land-war-in-north-africa-1940-43-paperback","title":"Desert Duel: New Zealand's land war in North Africa, 1940-43 - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eMatthew Wright\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor three years from 1940 the Second New Zealand Division, led by Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg, fought in the North African desert against a combined German-Italian army and its formidable leader, Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel.Rommel regarded the Kiwis as the elite of the British army, and their General was officially classified as a 'dangerous opponent.' During the desperate months of mid-1942, the New Zealand Division was almost all that stood between Rommel and Egypt.It was a hard-fought campaign. Yet the North African campaign was also a human story. Ordinary New Zealanders from civilian walks of life - accountants, lawyers, plumbers, labourers, teachers, musicians, even politicians - found unexpected strength within themselves to meet the demands of the war.Their battlegrounds - Sidi Rezegh, Ruweisat Ridge, Mingar Qaim, El Alamein, Tebaga Gap and Takrouna - are also part of New Zealand's history. 'In the battle which is sure to come within a few days,  the] outcome depends almost entirely upon Freyburg's  sic] division and air support. New Zealand Division is by far the best fighting unit in the Middle East. Freyburg  sic] is a very great leader of men, possessed of tremendous courage and sound judgement.'- US Army Forces in Middle East, official report, 27 June 1942The New Zealanders...are trained and led by General Freyberg, a dangerous opponent. They are specialists in night fighting, they fight on a wide front, and...have learnt to follow up closely under the heavy artillery barrages which they use...They are also capable, in difficult country, of fighting without tank support...- German staff assessment of 2 NZ Division\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 142\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.3 x 9 x 6 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e August 15, 2018\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Books by splitShops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42129754456199,"sku":"9780908318179","price":53.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0601\/2623\/2711\/files\/04a4d6197b550688c991c6ec6b6f3b51.webp?v=1732605571","url":"https:\/\/booksby.splitshops.com\/products\/desert-duel-new-zealands-land-war-in-north-africa-1940-43-paperback","provider":"Books by splitShops","version":"1.0","type":"link"}