Up For Grabs: John Harris

Once the looting didn't start until the enemy was defeated. But in North Africa no-one hung around waiting for the retreat. With half of Egypt waiting open-armed for anything going, people simply stole whatever was nailed down and flogged it on the Cairo black market. The British -the Italians - Rommel's Afrika Corps - they all used each other's captured vehicles, uniforms and stores. This is how the Desert Ratbags - a concert party stranded behind the Italian lines - operate. With their very special skills, from pilfering to stage performing, they not only survive, but see a little action for themselves.