Popski's Private Army

Vladimir Peniakoff

Formats & Editions

In October 1942, with the sanction of the army, Vladimir Peniakoff (nicknamed Popski) formed his own elite fighting force. By befriending and enlisting desert Arabs, he was able to penetrate deep into German territory without being detected - over the next year, 'Popski's Private Army' carried out a series of raids behind the German lines that were truly spectacular.

A bestseller when it was first published in 1950, POPSKI'S PRIVATE ARMY is a classic account of the war in the desert, and later in Italy, as seen through the eyes of a maverick soldier, hailed as the Second World War's answer to T.E. Lawrence.

Read More
Vladimir Peniakoff

Vladimir Peniakoff

Vladimir Peniakoff served with the Long Range Desert Group from 1940-42, before forming his own force. Rising to lieutenant-colonel in rank, and was decorated for bravery by Britain, France, and Belgium. He died in 1951.

More about Vladimir Peniakoff

Related books