sidevalve:-
here's George Duffee's story in his own words about 22nd June 1943, the day that changed his life.
What an amazing and well written story! On the same day that he bids farewell to his mother having just completed his training on the Halifax, he travels by crowded and typically late running wartime train from London, reports to his new squadron, meets his new Flight Commander, and is detailed as "second dickie" on an operation that very night! Having successfully bombed the target, they are hit themselves, the aircraft goes into the most violent of death-throes that pins him to the floor (was he standing throughout this flight anyway? Where would a "second dickie" sit in a fully manned Halifax?). Somehow he bails out, lands in Germany, and starts his evasion; via Holland, Belgium, France, and Spain to Gibraltar and a return to Ops.
Highly reccomended reading, for there in one inexperienced 19 year old pilot's account is the 5 star feedback satisfied customer's recommendation of the Comet Line, and the varied and multi-national volunteers that manned it!
Thank you sidevalve, I cannot think of a better way of introduction to this inspiring lifeline than via your link.
http://www.conscript-heroes.com/esca...rge-Duffee.htm