This is Leonard Ratcliff’s story, one of five true-life recollections from the Second World War in Tales From The Special Forces Club.
The Special Forces Club is a fabled gentlemen’s club, based in the heart of London. It has a closely guarded secret: you have to be a genuine hero to be a member.
Leonard commanded a squadron tasked with flying Special Forces agents into Nazi-occupied Europe. His missions came with enormous risk and casualties were exceptionally high. By the end of the war the entire squadron had been lost three times over. Yet despite the dangers there was always a steady stream of volunteers ready to risk all. This is Leonard’s story.
Reviews
‘Sean Rayment has gathered wartime experiences that have an extra resonance. For his veterans served in the Special Forces… [a] brilliant and often deeply moving book.’
Sinclair McKay, Sunday Telegraph
‘An outstanding book offering a vital insight into the wartime adventures of that small community of Britain's war heroes who rarely speak publicly.’ Chris Hughes, Daily Mirror
‘A cracking read, couldn't put it down.’ Neil Chandler, Daily Star Sunday
About the author
Sean Rayment is the defense correspondent for The Telegraph. He is the author of Bomb Hunters, following the tours of duty of bomb disposal teams in Afghanistan. His time spent as a captain in 3 Para, as well as his connections throughout the armed services, mean he can open the doors to these unique veterans from WWII that have been closed to other writers over the years. He will be the first to properly tell their story.
