Wingless Victory: The Story of Sir Basil Embry’s Escape From Occupied France in the Summer of 1940

The true story of an airman’s audacious escape from occupied France in World War Two.

Perfect for fans of The Great Escape, The 21 Escapes of Lt Alastair Cram and The Wooden Horse.

Sir Basil Embry’s Blenheim bomber was shot down in the summer of 1940.

During the course of his time in enemy territory he broke out from a column of prisoners while having a Nazi machine gun aimed at him, fought against his captors with stolen weapons, hid in stinking manure and even posed as a member of the Irish Republican Army in order to throw his captors off the scent of his true identity.

In total he was captured three times and three times he refused to submit. Only through sheer courage and wit did he make his way back to Britain to fight and fly again. This is his remarkable story.

Anthony Richardson served as Adjutant in the same squadron as Embry later in the war and was told about these astounding exploits first-hand. This book will undoubtedly amaze all interested in moments of amazing fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds.

‘A thrilling and authentic escape story — will prove a classic’ Daily Herald

‘The author succeeds in communicating vividly, yet unpretentiously, the sensations of a man on the run… About ten times as exciting as a fictional thriller’ Sunday Times

‘An extremely exciting story… well spiced with humour…’ Illustrated London News

‘The records of World War II have no wilder or stranger story to tell’ Tatler