A Pathfinder in the Peenemunde Raid: 50 Operations over Nazi Occupied Territory

Arthur's gripping memoir chronicles his journey from RAF volunteer to Pathfinder navigator in WWII, recounting harrowing missions and survival across Europe and the Mediterranean theater.

Arthur volunteered for aircrew service with RAF in 1940 at the age of 19, as soon as his school examinations were completed. He completed his training in Canada and Florida. After further training in UK and crewing up with a pilot and other crew members, he joined 97 Squadron flying Lancasters in December 1942. The following April the crew transferred to Pathfinder Force, where their operations included the shuttle-service attack on Friedrichshaven and the attack against Peenemunde. In September, having completed two tours, he was posted to the Mediterranean theatre, initially in Libya and later in Italy. He flew five further operations, three in Halifaxes and two in Wellingtons, the latter in support of the Yugoslav resistance.

In December 1944 he returned to UK and joined Transport Command before being seconded to BOAC.

Arthur's direct and detailed account of his experiences is a fascinating and valuable document of an astonishing feat to be exposed to such danger and to survive to tell the tale.

Arthur Spencer was born in February 1921, the only child of Arthur Roy and Rosa Spencer in Salisbury, moving to Southampton when he was very small.

In 1940, as soon as he had completed his examinations, at the age of 19, he, along with many other young men volunteered to support the war effort, the account of which is featured in the book.

After the war, Arthur went on to teach, his passion is English language and literature, and spent many years as Deputy Head at Castle School, Thornbury before being appointed the first Head of Priory School, Weston-super-Mare.

He lives with his wife of almost 80 years, Eva, in Clevedon.