Overview

This book tells the true story of the Bartter Crew, seven young men from Britain, Canada and Argentina who joined the fight against Nazi Germany. In August 1943 they were assigned to 138 Special Duties Squadron based in Tempsford, near Bedford. Flying low over Europe, skimming treetops ensuring Resistance groups were not forgotten. This is their story of SOE and BCRA operations, featuring spies, operations that were secret for decades from what was often called the most secret airfield in England. France, Yugoslavia and Denmark were covered in just a few months. During an operation, in December 1943, they were shot down over Denmark. The story continues with evasion for some, capture for others. The story comes up to date, Nigel Atkins, the son of the bomb aimer and second pilot, Brian Atkins, has travelled to multiple locations, interviewed people including one of the last surviving members of the Vercors Maquis, who recalled the crew's operation to the Vercors. Nigel is now firm friends with the son of one of the agents the crew dropped. It is fortunate that one of the crew recorded an interview with the Imperial War Museum. Another crew member wrote about some of his experiences and a former WAAF at Tempsford shared her experiences with us. National Archive files have been researched by Jan Christensen to offer a clear picture of the crews operations. It is hoped that this book will illuminate the human angle of these unsung heroes.

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9781739112301

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Reviews

This is an interesting story of a daring crew's wartime missions. Tracing their story across several theatres of the Second World War, this books shows a laudable desire to preserve the memory of their bravery. Dr Andrew Smith, Lecturer in Liberal Arts, Queen Mary University of London. London had recognised us..we felt that all our efforts and sacrifices were not in vain, it was an historic moment for the Vercors. Marc Serratrice, a surviving member of the Vercors Maquis, speaking with Nigel Atkins about one of the Bartter crew operations.

Author Information

Jan is a local historian with an specialised interest in the air war over Denmark Nigel is the son of one of the crew and has spent many years visiting the sites the crew dropped supplies to and meeting surviving members of the Maquis and the son of one of the agents dropped. Maxine holds a first in History and an MA in Cultural History. Her special interest in the SOE stems from her father-in-law who was a radio operator in occupied France with the SOE. Beyond SOE, her interests focus on commercial history and wine history.

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