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Great War to Great Escape Special Edition

"It is probably unfair to describe Bernard Green’s actions as being typical of the British bulldog-type of tenacity which won two world wars. It would be unfair because he was not typical; he was exceptional, in an era of exceptionally determined people."
(Robert Mitchell – Britain at War magazine review)

We are pleased to offer the following special edition of Laurence Green's Great War to Great Escape, signed by 11 Bomber Command veterans and the author. It has been a real pleasure to visit the veterans listed below and I had the privilege of listening to and recording their stories – some of which have already been published in Fighting High books and some of which will appear in future publications. In addition there is video of some of them talking about their experiences on this website. The subject of Great War to Great Escape, Bernard Green MC, was an air gunner and a Prisoner of War, so the respective veterans, who have signed this bookplate, fall into one or both of these categories.

For book details click HERE

We only have 40 bookplates available and these will be sold on a first come first served basis. The total price is £45, which includes UK postage and packing and from which a £5 donation will be made to the Bomber Command Memorial appeal as a thank you to the veterans. Please contact us on fightinghighltd@btinternet.com to check availability.

Veteran Signatories

Flight Lieutenant Desmond Pelly DFC (pilot and Prisoner of War). Desmond flew Lancasters initially with No. 100 Squadron and then No. 156 Squadron. Desmond was shot down on the night of 20/21 February 1945, his 41st operation. Desmond was captured and, via DulagLuft, was sent to the POW camp at Nuremberg and then marched with his fellow POWs to Moosburg.

Warrant Officer John Banfield MBE (wireless operator/air gunner, bomb aimer and Prisoner of War). John Banfield served with No. 207 Squadron and was shot down on his 25th operation on the night of 3 January 1943. John was captured and spent a considerable time in hospital before transferring to StalagLuft VIIIB at Lamsdorf.

Wing Commander Oliver Wells OBE (pilot and Prisoner of War). Oliver was the pilot of a 7 Squadron Lancaster that was shot down on the night of 30/31 August 1943. Oliver managed to evade but was eventually caught and ended up at StalagLuft III. We have posted video of Oliver describing being shot down on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEeNl_bGtd4

Warrant Officer Jack Bromfield (wireless operator/air gunner and Prisoner of War). Jack flew on Halifax bombers with No. 158 Squadron and survived being shot down on the night of 5/6 January 1945, ending up at StalagLuft I.

Flight Sergeant Doug Fry (air gunner and Prisoner of War). Doug, serving as an air gunner in a No. 15 Squadron Stirling, was shot down on the night of 30/31 July 1943. Doug, who was injured, was captured and saw out the war as a POW at StalagLuft’s IV and VI.

Warrant Officer Jack Linaker (air gunner).  Jack flew 18 bombing operations with No. 9 Squadron and survived the crash of his Lancaster bomber on return from a raid to Germany. There is video of Jack talking about this experience on www.fightinghigh.com

Squadron Leader Ian Brownlie DFC (pilot and Prisoner of War). Ian flew a tour with No. 77 Squadron and then went on to flying Halifaxes with No. 35 Squadron. Ian was shot down on the night of 17/18 January 1943 finally ending up at StalagLuft III.

Flight Lieutenant Reg Barker (pilot and Prisoner of War). Reg flew Lancasters with No. 635 Squadron and survived being shot down on his 21st operation on the night of 26/27 August 1944, ending up at StalagLuft I.

Flying Officer ‘Bunny’ Mason (air gunner). Bunny Mason flew as a rear gunner on Stirlings with No. 90 Squadron and then No. 106 Squadron; ending the war with 45 operations to his name.

Warrant Officer David Fellowes (air gunner). Dave served in the rear turret of a Lancaster bomber with No. 460 Squadron and the went on to No. 206 Squadron. Dave is credited with 33 bombing operations.

Warrant Officer Harry Irons DFC (air gunner). Harry completed the extraordinary total of 60 bombing operations with RAF Bomber Command; with No. 9 Squadron on Lancasters and then on No. 158 Squadron on Halifaxes. Video of Harry describing his first operation is on www.fightinghigh.com

The book is also signed by author Laurence Green