‘This is the story of how a handful of dedicated pilots undertook the dangerous business of flying in and out of enemy territory, unheralded and unnoticed, night after moonlit night, to keep the secret fight going against one of this country’s most fearsome enemies, and in her darkest hour. Paul Smiddy has produced an outstanding testament to both the remarkable aircraft – especially the Lysander – and the extraordinarily talented and courageous pilots who braved every danger to take, and recover, their precious cargoes to and from Nazi-occupied Europe during the long years of the Second World War.’
Dr Robert Lyman, author of The Jail Busters
‘What a rare treat – to have an entire book dedicated to the Special Duties Squadrons of the Second World War and their wholly remarkable aircraft. Moonlight Crusaders is meticulously researched and offers a thorough insight into the pilots, the machines, the agents, the traitors, the successes, the flaws and the legacy of this remarkable aspect of history.’
Dr Kate Vigurs, author of Mission Europe
‘Moonlight Crusaders is an excellent exposition of the trials and triumphs of airment undertaking night flying in the most difficult of circumstances. Paul Smiddy’s comprehensive account details the victories and shortcomings of the Westland Lysander from its early development to its undoubted mastery of operations for the SOE in Occupied Europe. The story of the personal tenacity of its pilots is inter-woven with the huge obstacles they encountered. These varied from darkness, the weather, a cunning enemy and even indifference at home. Expertly researched and written, Paul Smiddy takes us seamlessly into a world of bravery and subterfuge.’
David Price, author of How to Build a Spitfire