The Longest Walk Home: The epic 2,000 mile escape of a WWII POW, in his own words

by Ray Bailey, David Wilkins

In 1940, Private Raymond Bailey, a 21-year-old Vauxhall motors apprentice, was captured in northern France, becoming a Nazi prisoner of war. But he wouldn't remain one for long...

The Longest Walk Home is the incredible account of his daring 2,000 mile escape across Europe and over the Pyrenees, to the safety of British Gibraltar, and home in time for Christmas. Along the way Ray has nerve-shredding encounters with German soldiers and the Spanish Civil Guard. Often he is exhausted and starving. All that keeps him going is his youthful energy, unfailing optimism, and the kindness of strangers who risk their own safety to help him.

Ray's escape is remarkable, but so too is his memoir. It was written within a year or two of the events it describes, when Ray was just 22, and despite Ray's obvious writing talent it was lost for decades until it was discovered at auction in an unmarked box of WWII memorabilia by David Wilkins. Ray's is a true unheard voice, and one of the last from this time.

352 pages, Hardcover

Published January 27, 2026

Reviews

[Sam Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read this. As time goes on we risk losing stories such as these from the war. Reading this you’re always picturing what Rays route home would have looked like, a truly inspiring story of resilience and determination

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started off of a box of papers and notebooks bought in an auction, the author edited the notebook to create this the story of Pte Bailey and his escape and journey through France and Spain to freedom.

[Jack Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s amazing Ray’s story has finally been told, thank you. The unbelievable things a whole generation of men went through should never be forgotten.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really good read. Powerful story, well written. Good job, Ray. Your story lives on.

[Andrew Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic read, great story how someone so ordinary can do something very extraordinary

[Michael J. Topley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read. What a remarkable young man Ray was. On finishing the book I was utterly devastated to know Ray passed away shortly after all he had been through. All I can say is, thank you for the words you left behind for us to read and thank you for you service, sir. I hope you are resting in peace. You will be remembered.