Moonlight Crusaders: Special Duties Pilots over Occupied Europe
May 2026 · Bloomsbury Publishing
Ebook
384
Pages
About this ebook
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.
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.
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...
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About the author
After reading John Nesbitt-Dufort's autobiography as a teenager, Paul Smiddy was bitten by the aviation bug. A pilot from the age of 16, and trained by the RAF, he has flown halfway around the world. His interest in flying and his familiarity with France led him to investigate the Special Duties pilots. 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).
After reading John Nesbitt-Dufort's autobiography as a teenager, Paul Smiddy was bitten by the aviation bug. A pilot from the age of 16, and trained by the RAF, he has flown halfway around the world. His interest in flying and his familiarity with France led him to investigate the Special Duties ...
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