In 1940, Winston Churchill set in motion the Special Operations Executive and its network of secret agents. However, such an operation 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 faced constant 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 risks, the Special Duties pilots were remarkably successful.
Coming in May, 2026 and 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 – the unarmed Lysander. Paul Smiddy explores the origins of the aircraft, 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-recognized pilots played a critical role in the war – bringing back agents with important information to help Britain and the Allies defeat the Germans. Moonlight Crusaders brings these high-risk operations to life and celebrates the pilots and agents who gave their all to help win the war.