Planning began for our 2023 Left Flank Expedition back in January 2023 as the group considered how best to build on the discoveries made during our 2019 and 2022 efforts in southern Tunisia. Until now our efforts had been focused on the 1943 joint LRDG and PPA patrol hide that was ambushed by the Luftwaffe south of Ksar Ghilane. Having discovered the location of the vehicle hide where seven special forces vehicles had been destroyed, we began to wonder what else of historical significance may yet be out there. So this year we are going to push further to examine the ground covered by the New Zealand Division on its flanking maneuver around the Mareth Line in early 1943.
Map showing the routes taken by the NZ Division and supporting elements.
Our 2023 expedition will be conducted in two phases: the first being an exploration of the Grand Erg sand sea and the mysteries that lay beyond the ‘Berm’ (a wall of sand that forms the immovable edge of the great dune sea). Our second phase will take into the broken hills and winding canyons of the coastal mountain range where the LRDG led the Kiwi’s and their supporting elements from ‘Wilders Gap’ to the Tebaga hills northwest of Mareth.
A bigger team on this expedition with at least 10 vehicles and 20 crew members. This time we will have a good balance of Land Rover Lightweights, short wheel base 90’s and a number of longer wheel base 110’s. This trip will also see our first Series 2A 109 ‘pinkie’ recreation to add to our historical theme.
Many of our 2022 vehicles and crews will be returning for the 2023 expedition.
Expect a new documentary from Travelbag Photography after this trip, so even those who cannot share the challenge can still see the adventure with their feet up and a cold beer in hand.
