Paul Smiddy, author of the recent book Midnight Crusaders, discusses the men who flew Lysanders and Hudsons to aid British and French secret services during the Second World War. This engrossing history explores the creation, development and actions of the Special Duties squadrons, who carried spies, political figures and documents in and out of Occupied Europe.
In 1940, Winston Churchill famously set in motion the SOE. 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 outfaced 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 unique research, this book dives into the history of the men who flew these dangerous missions and the main aircraft they used – unarmed Lysanders. Paul explores the origins of the Lysander, the dangers it posed to its pilots and how operational techniques were developed. He explores political interference and the lack of succour from Bomber Harris; 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.
Paul is an RAF-trained pilot, with extensive experience of flying around Europe and beyond. He has been awarded Master Air Pilot from the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, and has represented Great Britain in several world championships in his flying sport. He is a member of the Biographers’ Club, the RAF Club, and the RAF Historical Society, former columnist at The Bookseller, and former judge of the Bookseller Awards. Moonlight Crusaders is his third tome.
Endorsements:
‘What a rare treat – to have an entire book dedicated to the Special Duties Squadrons of the Second World War and their wholly remarkable aircraft. Moonlight Crusaders is meticulously researched and offers a thorough insight into the pilots, the machines, the agents, the traitors, the successes, the flaws and the legacy of this remarkable aspect of history.’
-Dr Kate Vigurs, author & historian
‘Moonlight Crusaders is an excellent exposition of the trials and triumphs of airmen undertaking night flying in the most difficult of circumstances. Paul Smiddy’s comprehensive account details the victories and shortcomings of the Westland Lysander from its early development to its undoubted mastery of operations for the SOE in Occupied Europe. The story of the personal tenacity of its pilots is inter-woven with the huge obstacles they encountered. These varied from darkness, the weather, a cunning enemy and even indifference at home. Expertly researched and written, Paul Smiddy takes us seamlessly into a world of bravery and subterfuge.’
-David Price, author of How to Build a Spitfire
‘This is the story of how a handful of dedicated pilots undertook the dangerous business of flying in and out of enemy territory, unheralded and unnoticed, night after moonlit night, to keep the secret fight going against one of this country’s most fearsome enemies, and in her darkest hour. Paul Smiddy has produced an outstanding testament to both the remarkable aircraft – especially the Lysander – and the extraordinarily talented and courageous pilots who braved every danger to take, and recover, their precious cargoes to and from Nazi-occupied Europe during the long years of the Second World War.’
-Dr Robert Lyman, author of The Jail Busters
