Graham Pitchfork MBE served in the RAF for 36 years and was a Director of Military Intelligence at the Ministry of Defence. He is the author of many books including this book's companion volume Shot Down and on the Run.

Thousands of airmen shot down over enemy soil between

1940 and 1945 miraculously escaped capture. This compelling narrative reveals their stories, based on first-hand interviews, photographs and official documents, featuring heroes from Britain, Canada, Australia and other Commonwealth

countries. These men knew extreme adversity: hunger, thirst, injury, isolation and the constant fear of capture. They also knew great kindness from the local people who risked everything to help them. Their journeys to safety - often across savage terrain - tested human endurance and ingenuity to the very limit.

a book of quality . informs, entertains and uplifts the spirits

some remarkable stories . a fitting memorial