Runways to Freedom

"Runways to Freedom", is based on years of extensive research into the Special Duties Squadrons, and many conversations with veterans and family members.

The need for a means to drop agents and supplies into Occupied Europe fell outside the normal duties of RAF squadrons so, in March 1940, RAF Tempsford in Bedfordshire became the base for No.138 (SD) Squadron and No. 161 (SD) Squadrons. Flying mainly by the light of the full moon, these two squadrons operated throughout the length and breadth of Western Europe, delivering agents and supplies. Without the agents the secret services would have been hamstrung, and without the supplies the resistance movements would have been unable to participate in the armed struggle. By the end of the war, the Squadrons had, between them, lost in excess of 600 men. THIS IS THEIR STORY.