‘Behind Enemy Lines’ with Damien Lewis

'Sunday Times' bestselling author and journalist Damien Lewis shares some of the remarkable true stories from his latest book, 'Behind Enemy Lines'.

Captain Lewis 'Archie' Gibson served as a driver with the Long Range Desert Group. Operating deep behind enemy lines in North Africa, he took part in some of the Second World War’s most audacious missions.

His first experience of desert warfare in 1940 almost proved to be his last. Under fire from a German 88mm gun, he leapt from his speeding vehicle moments before it was torn apart. Characteristically undeterred, he christened his next vehicle Wha Daur – a phrase inspired by the Scottish ballad Who Dares Meddle with Me?

Drawing on Gibson’s unpublished memoir, diaries, sketchbooks, letters and wartime reports, alongside previously unseen classified material, Damien Lewis reconstructs his extraordinary wartime experiences in vivid detail, revealing a story of courage, endurance, humour and comradeship.

About the speaker

Damien Lewis has established himself as one of the most popular Second World War historians, selling several million copies of his books in 40 countries. For decades, he worked as a war and conflict reporter for the world's major broadcasters, reporting from across Africa, South America, the Middle East and East Asia, and winning numerous awards.

'Behind Enemy Lines' is Damien’s latest book. His previous titles include 'The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare', 'SAS Band of Brothers', 'SAS Brothers in Arms' and 'SAS Daggers Drawn'.