David Wilkins’ new book, Blighty or Bust, tells the incredible story of Private Raymond Bailey’s daring escape from a PoW camp in occupied France during the Second World War. The book details Bailey’s 2,000-mile journey to British Gibraltar, showcasing his bravery and resilience in the face of adversity.
Private Raymond Bailey, just 21 years old when he left for war, is the central figure in this gripping tale of survival and determination. Wilkins discovered Bailey’s story within 16 notebooks that were part of an auction for a box of old books and papers. The fact that Bailey wrote about his experiences within a couple of years of the events makes him one of the youngest ever to document his wartime experiences in such detail.
Wilkins expressed his amazement at finding the authentic voice of a working-class conscript, shedding light on a story that had remained unknown for over 80 years. The discovery of Bailey’s notebooks was a stroke of luck for Wilkins, who often buys old papers but considers this purchase to be his best yet.
Bailey, an apprentice engineer from Dunstable, Bedfordshire, was called up for military service in October 1939. After training for eight months, he found himself among the troops defending France from invasion. Following the Dunkirk evacuation, Bailey was captured at the Battle of Saint Valery in June 1940, along with thousands of other soldiers left behind.
Despite the challenges he faced as a PoW, Bailey’s determination and resourcefulness shone through. Six months after his capture, he managed to escape and make his way to Gibraltar, where he was eventually repatriated. The story is not just one of close calls and courage but also of the kindness shown to Bailey by ordinary French and Spanish people along his journey.
Blighty or Bust is set to be published on August 20 and will be available in high street bookshops and online retailers. For those interested in getting a pre-publication copy signed by the author, they can visit the gift shop at Portland Museum, where Wilkins serves as a trustee. Additionally, discounted copies of the book are available, with a portion of each sale going towards supporting the museum.
In conclusion, David Wilkins‘ Blighty or Bust is a captivating account of Private Raymond Bailey’s remarkable escape during World War II. The book not only highlights Bailey’s courage and resilience but also showcases the kindness of strangers in times of adversity. This gripping tale is sure to resonate with readers and shed light on a lesser-known aspect of wartime history.