They were known as the Old Man's unit - the most savage section in the whole German army. They were seasoned front-liners - veterans of the trenches. In the deadly cactus forest Tiny, Porta and the rest found a place God had forgotten ever existed'crawling with snakes, scorpions and giant ants' a place which reeked of danger and death. When their water rations ran out, they came close to madness from thirst in the blistering hell which surrounded them. They were ready to commit murder for a drink'