Talk: Moonlight Crusaders with Paul Smiddy

Description

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 ded

Venue

Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum

Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, Park St, Woodstock OX20 1SN

Actions

Trust & Source

Source: Original venue listing

Last updated: 30 April 2026 at 06:43

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