{"title":"Paul Smiddy","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Smiddy\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a gripping exploration of historical military events, bringing to life the courage and complexity of wartime experiences. His works blend meticulous research with vivid storytelling, making history accessible and engaging for readers interested in the nuances of conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith titles such as \u003cem\u003eMoonlight Crusaders\u003c\/em\u003e, Smiddy delves into both strategic campaigns and personal tales, capturing the human spirit amid the chaos of battle. His books provide a thought-provoking journey through pivotal moments in military history, ideal for enthusiasts and scholars alike.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"moonlight-crusaders-by-paul-smiddy-9781472873477","title":"Moonlight Crusaders","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis engrossing history explores the creation, development and actions of the Special Duties squadrons, which carried spies, political figures and documents in and out of Occupied Europe.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1940, Winston Churchill famously set in motion the Special Operations Executive. 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 contended with and, of course, they dealt with the worst of European weather. Despite these extra risks, these Special Duties pilots were remarkably successful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePacked with first-hand accounts and expert research, \u003cem\u003eMoonlight Crusaders\u003c\/em\u003e dives into the history of the men who flew these dangerous missions and the main aircraft they used – unarmed Lysanders. Author Paul Smiddy, an RAF-trained pilot, explores the origins of the Lysander, 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-recognised pilots provided a critical role in the war – bringing back agents with important information to help Britain and the Allies defeat the Germans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48022004957420,"sku":"9781472873477","price":56.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781472873477-moonlight-crusaders.jpg?v=1785286567"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/paul-smiddy.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}