The book began with an unexpected discovery: in 2018, David bought a box of old notebooks at auction, not knowing they contained an 80,000‑word manuscript written by a young WWII soldier, Private Ray Bailey. In vivid detail, Ray recounts his daring escape from a German prisoner‑of‑war column in 1940 and his extraordinary 3,000‑mile journey home — travelling the length of France, crossing the Pyrenees into Spain, and eventually reaching British Gibraltar before being repatriated to the UK.

Ray’s story is one of courage, close calls and youthful determination, but also of profound human kindness. Exhausted, starving and often alone, he was repeatedly helped, sheltered and fed by ordinary French and Spanish working people who risked their own safety to aid him.

During the talk, David will describe the process of turning Ray’s 85‑year‑old manuscript into a published book, including the lucky break that brought Ray’s story to a major non‑fiction publisher. He will also share selected extracts and anecdotes from Ray’s incredible journey. Signed copies of the book will be available at below retail price, with all profits from sales on the day generously donated to Portland Museum funds.

Event Details
Date: Thursday 24 September
Time: 2:30pm–4pm
Venue: C2000 Hall, Straits, Easton, Portland
Tickets: £4 standard / £3 Friends of Portland Museum

Booking:
Email [email protected]
Call 01305 821804
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