Moonlight Crusaders

This engrossing history explores the creation, development and actions of the Special Duties squadrons, which carried spies, political figures and documents in and out of Occupied Europe. In 1940, Winston Churchill famously set in motion the Special Operations Executive. However, the creation of secret agent networks required a clandestine transport infrastructure to support nascent resistance movements in Occupied Europe. With only the moon to guide their way, the daring pilots of 161 Squadron constantly faced danger: their locations could be discovered, German night-fighters and flak had to be contended with and, of course, they dealt with the worst of European weather. Despite these extra risks, these Special Duties pilots were remarkably successful. Packed with first-hand accounts and expert research, this book dives into the history of the men who flew these dangerous missions and the main aircraft they used - unarmed Lysanders. Author Paul Smiddy, an RAF-trained pilot, explores the origins of the Lysander, the dangers it posed to its pilots and how operational techniques were developed. Facing political interference and limited resources from the RAF, these brave and under-recognised pilots provided a critical role in the war - bringing back agents with important information to help Britain and the Allies defeat the Germans.

A pilot from the age of 16, and trained by the RAF, Paul Smiddy has flown halfway around the world, and over most continents. He also competed for Great Britain in many world championships in his chosen flying sport. He is the author of two previous books, QuickLook at Flying (QuickLook Books) and A Passion for Speed: The Daring Life of Mildred, The Hon Mrs Victor Bruce (The History Press).

Subject to confirmation Introduction Chapter 1: The Lysander Chapter 2: The Customers - SOE and SIS Chapter 3: The Lysander Goes to War - Bloodied and Bowed Chapter 4: Finding Their Feet Chapter 5: Racing Ahead - Newmarket Takes on Military Garb Chapter 6: Scaling Up - Formation of 138 Squadron Chapter 7: 1942 - Formation of 161 Squadron Chapter 8: Tempsford - A Home is Found Chapter 9: The 1942 Pause and Knowles Lurches to his Maker Chapter 10: The Dream Team Forms Chapter 11: 1943 Chapter 12: Tangmere Life Chapter 13: Treachery Chapter 14: A Mission Chapter 15: Tangmere Death Chapter 16: 1944 and the Déricourt Dénouement Chapter 17: The Boxer Era Chapter 18: Last Flights Chapter 19: Conclusions Epilogue Appendices Index