The author joined the RAF as an Air Gunner in 1940 having added 3 years to his ago. 2 years later his Wellington Bomber was shot down over North Africa and he became a prisoner of war of the Italians. He was punished cruelly for his escape attempts but eventually succeeded and made his way to Rome, 2 years after his initial capture. He was one of the youngest recipients of the Military Medal and promoted for his courageous escape attempts and experiences with Italian partisans during his escape attempts.
