Moonlight Crusaders
Special Duties Pilots over Occupied Europe
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Moonlight Crusaders
Narrated by:
Laurence Dobiesz
Buy Now for £16.08
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Narrated by:
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Laurence Dobiesz
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.©2026 Paul Smiddy (P)2026 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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Critic reviews
This is the story of how a handful of dedicated pilots under took the dangerous business of flying in and out of enemy territory, unheralded and unnoticed, night after moonlit night… Paul Smiddy has produced an outstanding testament to both the remarkable aircraft and the extraordinarily talented and courageous pilots.
What a rare treat – to have an entire book dedicated to the Special Duties squadrons… Moonlight Crusaders is meticulously researched and offers a thorough insight into the legacy of this remarkable aspect of history.
This fascinating story of espionage, subterfuge and bravery is expertly woven by Paul Smiddy. His passion for the subject translates into a detailed and comprehensive account of flying on the edge of reason.
A worthy tribute to this gallant band of airmen.
Classic case of using a narrator who knows nothing about the subject. My first irritation was him calling the Heinkel 111 a Heinkel 3 and not a Heinkel one eleven. Ok one slip but then reading every reference to an F/O as a flight officer and not a flying officer (and there are a lot ) 🤬. On top of that his intonation is just pure irritating.
Don’t Bother
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