Only the Enemy in Front

The first comprehensive history of the Reconnaissance Corps, which was founded in 1940 and disbanded in 1946 after serving with distinction in every theatre of the Second World War. This is the story of an elite force from its inception following Dunkirk through to victory in Europe four-and-a-half years later. The campaigns in Singapore, Egypt and the Western Desert, Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, Burma and North-West Europe are all represented in this book (included a battalion with Wingate’s Chindits and a squadron at Arnhem), and many actions are covered in some detail to illustrate the special nature of the work of a reconnaissance regiment in the field.

Throughout the book the theme of the important of reconnaissance is developed and the unique ethos of the Corps that made them an elite force in their day is given due credit. Many actions are covered in some detail to illustrate the special nature of a reconnaissance regiment in the field. It should be remembered that members of the Recce Corps were more heavily armed than any other type of unit – with good reason!