"Though it went on to become the most famous German formation of World War II, the men of the early Afrikakorps had no experience of desert warfare. Yet, in a matter of months, they proved themselves more than capable of surviving in the harsh conditions of the North African desert and managed to force their British enemy as far back as Egypt. Led by the celebrated General Rommel, the soldiers of the Afrikakorps were proud of their unique status and a strong esprit de corps soon emerged that survives to this day. This book examines the living conditions, training, equipment and battle experiences of a typical AfrikaKorps soldier."--P. [iv] of cover.