Description
Reg, Charles, David, Albert and Henry describe the circumstances in which they are shot from the sky, descending by parachute in to hostile territory, and their subsequent failed attempt to avoid capture. Interrogation follows and we hear how the downed airmen negotiate the aggressive and devious tactics employed by their captors as they try and extract secret information. Our 'Kriegsgefangener' soon find themselves behind the barb wire of a German prison camp facing the trials and tribulations of daily life as a 'kriegie'; the battle with hunger and frustration, the baiting and harassing of prison guards, friendships made, and attempts to break out and escape their captivity. In the final months of the war some of our POWs endure the gruelling and harsh conditions of the forced 'Long March'. Despite frustrating delays, as the Nazi regime enters its final death throes, our airmen eventually taste the sweetness of liberation and journey home to loved ones and family.
Fighting High Publishing and Bomber Command historian Steve Darlow present the extraordinary testimony of five veterans who endured and survived being shot down, captivity, degradation, and suffering. Illustrated with previously unpublished photographs and with a foreword from former Gulf War POW Squadron Leader Bob Ankerson RAF (Ret'd) 'Last of the Kriegie's' reveals the extraordinary strength and resilience of the human spirit struggling with incarceration and the loss of freedom.
About the Author
Former Second World War prisoner-of-war Reg Barker served as a pilot with RAF Bomber Command. Former Second World War prisoner-of-war Air Commodore Charles Clarke OBE served as a bomb aimer with RAF Bomber Command. Former Second World War prisoner-of-war David Fraser served as an air gunner with RAF Bomber Command. Former Second World War prisoner-of-war Albert Gunn served as an air gunner with RAF Bomber Command. Former Second World War prisoner-of-war Henry Wagner served as a navigator with RAF Bomber Command. Steve Darlow is an author, with over twenty books to his name, and documentary contributor and consultant, specialising in the Royal Air Force during the Second World.
Reviews
This is one of the best books that I have read for some time...I recommend the book as informative, very interesting and an excellent read. I award it five stars. * Army Rumour Service *
Last of the Kriegies reveals the extraordinary strength and resilience of the human spirit struggling with incarceration and the loss of freedom. * Recollections of World War II *
There can be no substitute for the real thing. This magnificent book, in their own words, by five veterans of Bomber Command, is one of the finest voices from the past I have ever read. It has all the thrills of Reach For The Sky, all the tension of The Great Escape. A superb memorial to POWs everywhere... * Books Monthly *
Book Information
ISBN 9780993415296
Author Reg Barker
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Fighting High Ltd
Publisher Fighting High Ltd