Crisis in the Desert

Crisis in the Desert: May–July 1942 is a detailed historical account of one of the most critical phases of the North African campaign during the Second World War. Written by military historians J. A. I. Agar-Hamilton and L. C. F. Turner and published by Oxford University Press in 1952, the book provides an authoritative analysis of the battles that unfolded in the Western Desert between British and Axis forces in the months preceding the turning point at El Alamein.

Drawing extensively on official South African military records, dispatches, and first-hand reports, Agar-Hamilton and Turner offer a clear and comprehensive study of strategy, logistics, and leadership during this turbulent period. Their meticulous scholarship provides valuable insight into the experiences of the South African and Allied troops who fought in the campaign, exploring not only the military operations but also the human cost and moral challenges of desert warfare.

This volume remains a cornerstone of South African military historiography and is often cited as one of the most reliable primary sources on the early stages of the North African theatre. For historians, collectors, and students of World War II, Crisis in the Desert offers both historical depth and enduring relevance.