Heroes in the Shadows: Humanitarian Action and Courage in the Second World War

Heroes in the Shadows is a book that showcases the courage and resilience of individuals during the Second World War who helped those on the run, often at great risk to themselves. It provides a detailed account of five Allied escape lines and the people who operated them, including diplomats, rescue organizations, and communities that housed and hid fleeing Jews.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2019
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Heroes in the Shadows delves into remarkable instances of heroism during World War II, shifting focus away from the traditional battlefield. It specifically examines the actions of individuals involved in five Allied escape lines established to aid those on the run. Through extensive research, the author presents the most comprehensive account of how these routes functioned. Additionally, he showcases the remarkable qualities of the people involved, who displayed unwavering courage in the face of various adversities.

Among these heroes are diplomats who defied their home authorities and assisted those on the run, often at great risk. A rescue organization in Marseille played a pivotal role in helping fugitives escape through Vichy France and reach the port, ultimately leading to freedom. Another group in Belgium undertook the challenging task of transporting downed airmen across occupied France, the Pyrenees, Spain, and back to Gibraltar. In Assisi, a community provided shelter and protection to fleeing Jews, exemplifying humanity's compassion in the darkest of times. A Capuchin priest in Marseille and Nice collaborated with people from diverse backgrounds to save Jewish fugitives, continuing his noble work in Rome.

Brian Fleming employs contemporary diaries and memoirs of former POWs and refugees to provide a personal perspective within the broader narrative of the escape lines. He elucidates how these lines operated across Europe, assisting various persecuted groups. Heroes in the Shadows not only sheds light on the consequences of human-made horrors but also celebrates the best of humanity in challenging circumstances.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 241 x 174 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445687322