Overview
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.
Full Product Details
Author: Paul Smiddy ,
Keith Burns
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint: Osprey Publishing
Dimensions:
Width: 15.60cm
, Height: 3.80cm
, Length: 23.60cm
Weight: 0.600kg
ISBN: 9781472873477
ISBN 10: 1472873475
Pages: 384
Publication Date: 07 May 2026
Audience:
General/trade
,
General
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming
Availability: Not yet available
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.
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. * Robert Lyman * 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. * Dr Kate Vigurs, author of 'Women of SOE' * 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. * David Price, author of 'How to Build a Spitfire' *
Author Information
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).
