Autumn, 1942. At El Alamein, General Montgomery's Eighth Army is preparing for the big push that will drive Rommel's Afrika Korps back through the Libyan Desert. But a vital initial task has to be undertaken: the destruction of Rommel's communications and supply dumps far behind the enemy lines. The mission is entrusted to two élite forces, the Long Range Desert Group and the Special Air Service. The exploits of the SAS, less than two years old, have already become legendary. Lieutenant Callum Douglas, fresh from the desert battles as a tank commander with the 20th Hussars, counts himself fortunate to be selected to join this tough band of fighters - and soon proves himself in action. Beaten in Libya, the Germans plan to make a formidable last stand in Tunisia, and Douglas finds that the work of the SAS is only just beginning. By boat, the SAS commandos infiltrate into enemy territory to strike hard at the headquarters of Germany's own élite, the Brandenburg Division. With only a handful of men, Douglas cannot afford to lose the advantage of surprise, but the route to Tunis is hampered by betrayal, and the ingenuity and courage of the highly-trained men is tested even beyond their expectations. Desert Commando presents an appealing young hero and a thrilling adventure, vivid with authenticity and taut with suspense. Robert Jackson (b. 1941) is a prolific author of military and aviation history, having become a full time writer in 1969. As an active serviceman in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve he flew a wide range of aircraft, ranging from jets to gliders. Venom Squadron is part of the George Yeoman series which began in Hurricane Squadron .