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Operation Pimento: My Great-Grandfather's Great Escape - a gripping story of heroism and sacrifice, perfect for all WW2 fans
A moving, thrilling account of one man's extraordinary escape from the Nazis - as told by his great-grandson. Perfect for fans of Ben Macintyre and Damien Lewis
'Frank Griffiths' incredible escape and evasion story will become a wartime classic. Truly inspiring.' - ANDY McNAB
'An affectionate and often audacious tale of an unsung WW2 hero. Adam Hart is a writer to watch out for.' - ANTHONY HOROWITZ
'A thrilling tale of courage, bravery and survival, brought to life by Hart's gripping narrative and fascinating personal connection. A superb debut.' - ALICE LOXTON
'This moving family history pays fitting tribute to the courage and resilience of the Special Duties Squadrons' crews, and the heroism of the French resisters serving alongside them.' - CLARE MULLEY
'A classic tale of Second World War derring-do, told with flair. A wonderful debut.' - ROBERT PENN
On 14 August 1943, Adam Hart's great-grandfather Frank Griffiths took off from RAF Tempsford, the SOE 'Special Duties' airbase in rural England. Frank and his crew were on a secret midnight mission codenamed Operation Pimento, but they were shot down near Annecy in southeast France.
Only Frank survived.
Though seriously injured, Frank felt it was his duty to get back to England to continue the fight against the Nazis. He embarked on a perilous, 1,200-mile, 108-day escape across Europe, via the attic of a brothel, a Frenchwoman's chimney and a Spanish prison cell. Seventy-nine years later, Frank's 22-year-old great-grandson Adam Hart retraced the epic escape through France, Switzerland and Spain. His emotional encounters with descendants of people who'd risked their lives to help his great-grandfather reveal the enduring legacy of Operation Pimento and how we should never forget their sacrifice.
Operation Pimento is not only a riveting true story, but also a vivid account of one young man's journey to discover more about a man he'd never met, but always knew to be a hero.
'Frank Griffiths' incredible escape and evasion story will become a wartime classic. Truly inspiring.' - ANDY McNAB
'An affectionate and often audacious tale of an unsung WW2 hero. Adam Hart is a writer to watch out for.' - ANTHONY HOROWITZ
'A thrilling tale of courage, bravery and survival, brought to life by Hart's gripping narrative and fascinating personal connection. A superb debut.' - ALICE LOXTON
'This moving family history pays fitting tribute to the courage and resilience of the Special Duties Squadrons' crews, and the heroism of the French resisters serving alongside them.' - CLARE MULLEY
'A classic tale of Second World War derring-do, told with flair. A wonderful debut.' - ROBERT PENN
On 14 August 1943, Adam Hart's great-grandfather Frank Griffiths took off from RAF Tempsford, the SOE 'Special Duties' airbase in rural England. Frank and his crew were on a secret midnight mission codenamed Operation Pimento, but they were shot down near Annecy in southeast France.
Only Frank survived.
Though seriously injured, Frank felt it was his duty to get back to England to continue the fight against the Nazis. He embarked on a perilous, 1,200-mile, 108-day escape across Europe, via the attic of a brothel, a Frenchwoman's chimney and a Spanish prison cell. Seventy-nine years later, Frank's 22-year-old great-grandson Adam Hart retraced the epic escape through France, Switzerland and Spain. His emotional encounters with descendants of people who'd risked their lives to help his great-grandfather reveal the enduring legacy of Operation Pimento and how we should never forget their sacrifice.
Operation Pimento is not only a riveting true story, but also a vivid account of one young man's journey to discover more about a man he'd never met, but always knew to be a hero.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2025
2 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Adam Hart
1 book6 followersAdam Hart is a 25 year old author, journalist and historian from Pembrokeshire, Wales.
His first book, Operation Pimento, was published by Hodder and Stoughton in June 2025.
Adam has written for the Telegraph and the Times, has appeared on BBC Antiques Roadshow and ITV Evening News, and has spoken on Radio 4, TimesRadio, BBC Radio Wales and others.
His first book, Operation Pimento, was published by Hodder and Stoughton in June 2025.
Adam has written for the Telegraph and the Times, has appeared on BBC Antiques Roadshow and ITV Evening News, and has spoken on Radio 4, TimesRadio, BBC Radio Wales and others.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 2, 2025
A fantastic tale well related of the author’s great grandfather’s incredible escape across occupied territory and into adventures in Spain. Fascinating characters too. The author retraced the route and was amazed to find how, 80 years later, the story is very much alive in the memories of the descendants who helped in the original escape!
September 19, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable storyline uncovering a part of the Second World War that I didn't have much previous knowledge on. Excellently written and incredible to have been able to follow in the footsteps and uncover the hardship Frank and others must have endured
December 23, 2025
This is a great book. One journey of a Great Escape, and another of the author's journey retracing his great grandfather's route. As a family historian, I can appreciate the research that must have been involved, and the excitement of validating this historical story.
June 17, 2025
A fascinating story written with empathy by debut author Adam Hart following in his great grandfather's footsteps. I really enjoyed this book and it is very well read by the Author on Audible.
September 3, 2025
I found this book particularly interesting and well told. I love the author's deep connection to his great grandfather and the concept of mirroring his journey 80 years later is a fascinating one!
I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the Second World War, the Great Escape and family history too.
As a genealogist myself and with a grandfather who served as a pilot in the RAF this book appealed to me on so many levels and was expertly told.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the Second World War, the Great Escape and family history too.
As a genealogist myself and with a grandfather who served as a pilot in the RAF this book appealed to me on so many levels and was expertly told.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews