The Longest Walk Home: The Epic 2,000-Mile Escape of a WWII Prisoner of War

by Ray Bailey, David Wilkins

In 1940, Private Raymond Bailey, a 21 year old Vauxhall motors apprentice, serving with the 1st Kensington Regiment, 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.

Genres: History, World War II, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication December 8, 2026

Reviews

[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.

[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

[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.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable and easy read of a great story

[Henry James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true, honest, and brilliant book. It took me a few chapters to truly appreciate the writing style and story, but when involved I was truly engrossed and did not want to put it down. An absolute winner that I have already recommended to everyone... Go read it now.

[Andrew Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth reading. It’s amazing how a strong mind set and determination can help a person achieve what they desire. Thanks to Ray for recording his journey.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feeling a lot!

What an incredibly moving story. And to think this story was so nearly lost in history.

It was also incredible to read whilst in France.

A must read!!!⭐️

[John Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unbelievably beautiful and sobering story of true resilience and pure human spirit.

[Mary Arkless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Borrowed from the library.

Ray had a real talent for writing. His telling of his time in the British army from conscription in early WWII until he was taken capture after France fell to the Nazis, his time in captivity, his escape, and then his perilous travels to try to get back to Britain are captivating. He tells of the danger, does not whitewash the conditions, nor does he dwell on gruesome details.

Somehow, his private papers and first and second drafts were put up for sale on eBay, and luckily David Wilkins bought them. As he read through Ray’s notebooks, he realised what an historical treasure they are. Wilkins put a lot of effort into researching Ray’s regiment, their battles, Ray’s travels around France snd Spain. The travels themselves took diligence, as Ray didn’t speak French or Spanish, so misspelt some locations’ names. Wilkins also researched Ray’s fellow soldiers, sometimes deciphering nicknames and military units to find the person Ray had encountered. Other named people were also looked up.

Wilkins sets the scene for Ray’s book, and at the beginning of some chapters gives additional information to help the modern reader understand what Ray faced at that time. The book ends with a summary of what happened to various people, mostly British military, whom Ray met.

Highly recommend to anyone who wants a different perspective on WWII or human resilience.

[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.

[Andrew Lipin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book that gave me a lot of feelings. I loved the story with all my heart and was very impressed by Ray Bailey, of his journey through France, Spain and to the Britain.

While listening I was often stopping with thoughts about people’s generosity, I’m so happy that we had and hope that still have same kind people. Also, I was impressed of Bailey's adaptability. I was thinking often of how he was navigating through his journey, today some people and me in the same list can't even remember the city where I live, I always use GPS. In that time, he didn't have that luxury.

Because of the Bailey, I realised that I need to speak more with people, shouldn't rely on my phone. Today we forgot what are people around, we see them as some kind of stress, but because of that story I realised, that people are also can be good, and that I need to try communicate more, same about all our society today. Be more open and helpful to people who around of you.

Loved that book with all my heart, and advice to everyone to read it or listen.

[John Ollerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Father’s Day present from Louise. The remarkable story of Ray Bailey, a supposedly terrible slight soldier but he escaped from the Germans after the mass capture of British troops St Velery in France after the French capitulated and left the British alone. His amazing story of walking all the way to Barcelona evading Germans, Vichy French and Spanish Civil Guards would have remained unknown until a military memorabilia collector bought a job lot box of papers found in an attic and the hand written account was within it. Truly amazing and what a character Ray Bailey was. It was his belligerent resilience which unappreciated by the British army got him home and to fight again for his country. It was so sad that he died in the terrible Italy campaign. It was so moving that he said about the French family who hid and kept him for 3 months and said he could stay for the duration but he was intent on getting back” I owe them everything; if I got a million pounds I would still be a poor man”. An unassuming hero who hopefully is fully recognised after the publishing of his book.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up at my local bookshop as part of a buy-one-get-one-half-price offer. I hadn’t come across it before but it seemed a really good match for the kind of story I like: adventure, bravery, history.

The story behind the story is interesting in its own right. David Wilkins found an almost-finished manuscript in a box of notebooks bought at auction. What a fantastic discovery.

The story that unfolds covers Private Ray Bailey’s time in the military, from the start of World War II to his eventual return to the UK. We follow his early training and deployment, through his experiences in France, being captured and held as a POW, then his escape and long, arduous route to Spain.

A fascinating tale which so easily could have been lost, had someone else bought that box of notebooks at auction.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book that I picked up on a whim after the cover caught my eye. Non fiction isn't usually my sort of thing, but after watching The Great Escape every Christmas with my Grandad, and being forced to watch Colditz with my husband, I was intrigued by this young mans story- if not a little intimidated. So with that in mind, I prepared myself for something that may be slightly dry for my usual tastes, but I was wrong. This is a beautifully written account and so easy to read, I finished it in a single day! Ray had the makings of a great author and its so interesting that he took the time to write his account so close to when the events actually happened. His story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. I'd encourage anyone to read it, and I know I'll think about it, and Ray, for a long time.

[Daryl Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic true story simply told by a young soldier in extraordinary testing circumstances. Ray is an ordinary 21 year old soldier who shows incredible determination and resilience and does something few others achieved. It is an inspiring story, in very difficult circumstances, he is tested to the limit both physically and mentally, much of the time alone. It also has a freshness as it’s written at the time by a young man. Impossible to put down once you start reading. I also found it a sad story as so many young men, the men Ray comes into contact with die. The waste of so many young innocent lives in a war that 80 years later seems incomprehensible, what on earth were the Germans thinking.

[Simon Thorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not want to put this book down. I thank David Wilkins for ensuring that Ray’s story has been told and for his excellent role in providing additional context and follows ups on the characters Ray meets along the way.

The day after I started reading this book I was in a small town on an early morning walk. I came across a war memorial with hundreds of names on, like I had many times before. However, this time I stopped and read all of the names. I selected a few at random to try and find more information online about who they were. I think reading Rays account has ensured that each time I pass one of these memorials I will do the same.

He was just an ordinary lad, who’s was asked to do extraordinary things. And like so many, he went well beyond that.

[Jill Robbertze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congratulations to David Wilkins who has done an amazing job of editing, presenting and saving this amazing story which gives us a window into exactly what it was like for some of those that experienced WW2 in Europe, as well as Ray's incredible escape adventure. I'm in awe of not only what Ray Bailey accomplished but of how he wrote his own story in such detail and in such a way as to captivate us, who have been lucky to have the opportunity to read it.
This is an important piece of history that has been saved and will live on thanks to both authors.

[Annaleise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. For me it was a massive page turner. What an amazing find David Wilkins stumbled upon. I appreciated that editorial additions were put in footnotes or an appendix (rather than adding to the original manuscript). It was amazing to be able to read someone's first hand account. The extra research the editor included was much appreciated. Very thought provoking and challenging. A window into someone else's life.

[Gary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of Private Ray Bailey who escaped from France during WW2 and made it home via Marseille and Barcelona amongst other places.

It is a true story as his exploits were recorded in 16 notebooks which the author purchased at an auction.

A great story which I really enjoyed.

Can highly recommend.

[Steve Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first hand account of Private Ray Bailey's experiences during WWII. Collated from his six journals he wrote at the time. I found myself so attached to this young man's story, I was upset to learn he died following an accident later in the war. Fascinating and heartbreaking.

[Theo Chadwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible true story of a courageous WW2 escape. First hand account resurfacing after 80 years. An easy yet gripping read which had me referencing the map often in awe of distances travelled and the scale of Ray’s home bound odyssey.

[Julian Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredible tale (rediscovered almost by chance), this offers an amazing insight into the people and lives impacted by WWII as the author makes an incredible journey back to England having escaped German captivity.

A moment in time beautifully told.

[Keith Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read

Everyone should read this book. Ray Bailey's amazing escape from war torn France is gripping. He is a wonderful writer and takes the reader on a heroic journey. Extremely moving

[Keith Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed a lot. Surprisingly well written and easy to read in a few sittings. Rating 4.25

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Along with Chris Hunt's masterful and tense 'Escape From Holland', this is a wonderful addition to the role call of new and highly interesting books on overlooked aspects of World War 2 history.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read from the point of view of a young man, determined to get home.

[Mike Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible

[Jae Bedford · Rating 4 out of 5]

An endearing read that makes you contemplate how such a feat was even possible. The mid century man was a different breed to today - a nice reminder that your own life couldn’t be easier.