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The Long Road Home: An account of the author's experiences as a prisoner-of-war in the hands of the Germans during the Second World War
The honest account of one prisoner-of-war’s struggle to survive through five years of Nazi imprisonment. An essential book for readers of Horace Greasley, Alistair Urquhart and Heather Morris.
On a cold May morning in 1940, Adrian Vincent arrived in France with his battalion.
His war didn’t last long.
Within five days the Siege of Calais was over and nearly all his comrades were killed, wounded or, like him, taken prisoner.
After a brutal journey across the breadth of Germany, Vincent and his fellow survivors began their life in Stalag VIIIB, set to work in terrible conditions down a Polish mine.
For the next five years they waged a war not against enemy soldiers, but instead versus monotony, disease, cruelty, starvation and hopelessness.
The Long Road Home is a remarkably truthful memoir of what it was like to be a prisoner during the Second World War. Vincent does not portray himself or his comrades as heroes, but instead what they really survivors.
On a cold May morning in 1940, Adrian Vincent arrived in France with his battalion.
His war didn’t last long.
Within five days the Siege of Calais was over and nearly all his comrades were killed, wounded or, like him, taken prisoner.
After a brutal journey across the breadth of Germany, Vincent and his fellow survivors began their life in Stalag VIIIB, set to work in terrible conditions down a Polish mine.
For the next five years they waged a war not against enemy soldiers, but instead versus monotony, disease, cruelty, starvation and hopelessness.
The Long Road Home is a remarkably truthful memoir of what it was like to be a prisoner during the Second World War. Vincent does not portray himself or his comrades as heroes, but instead what they really survivors.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1974
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 20, 2025
amazing read. 10/10
A very good read from the perspective of a British soldier. showing the humanity of the German prison camp officials
A very good read from the perspective of a British soldier. showing the humanity of the German prison camp officials
June 30, 2020
This was an extremely detailed and honest account of the author’s experience as a POW during WW2. The book starts right into the thick of things, and then Adrian is captured by the enemy and experiences unbelievable cruelty in just marching to their destination. The prisoners are broken before they even know what lay ahead for them.
His life in Stalag VIIIB was always unpredictable, he never stayed in the same place long, and he made and lost friends along the way. The thing that stood out most to me with this one is how the prisoners had to game the system to get fed and to get privileges that should have been afforded them.
This one took me a little longer than normal to read because of that level of detail he put into writing this. Each factory, each camp, each Kommandant vastly different from the others. Often, the men were cunning in getting rid of a Kommandant who was too tough, or who wasn’t interested in the bribes the prisoners offered. I commend the author for surviving through such a terrible experience and coming out the other end to share his story.
His life in Stalag VIIIB was always unpredictable, he never stayed in the same place long, and he made and lost friends along the way. The thing that stood out most to me with this one is how the prisoners had to game the system to get fed and to get privileges that should have been afforded them.
This one took me a little longer than normal to read because of that level of detail he put into writing this. Each factory, each camp, each Kommandant vastly different from the others. Often, the men were cunning in getting rid of a Kommandant who was too tough, or who wasn’t interested in the bribes the prisoners offered. I commend the author for surviving through such a terrible experience and coming out the other end to share his story.
July 1, 2020
It seems there is a great deal of interest in World War Two lately, especially by novelists. The generation that fought that war is passing from the scene so one must be grateful for those who recorded their experiences. Mr. Vincent was a British prisoner of the Germans. I had always wondered what the experiences in a POW camp were like, as opposed to those in a concentration camp. POWs had it much easier but they were still subject to the whims of their guards: forced to subsist on meager rations and perform forced labor.
With great skill, the prisoners managed to stay alive by scrounging extra food, bargaining with or deceiving the guards and setting up a subterranean society of mutual help. They were kept alive by the Red Cross packages that were allowed through, however,
The author describes all this honestly, with a self-depreciating sense of humor. He does not depict himself as a hero, telling stories of his failures, which gives the narrative a sense of truth.
This was an interesting book, filled with honesty and humanity.
With great skill, the prisoners managed to stay alive by scrounging extra food, bargaining with or deceiving the guards and setting up a subterranean society of mutual help. They were kept alive by the Red Cross packages that were allowed through, however,
The author describes all this honestly, with a self-depreciating sense of humor. He does not depict himself as a hero, telling stories of his failures, which gives the narrative a sense of truth.
This was an interesting book, filled with honesty and humanity.
June 1, 2021
The experiences of a rifleman, in the Queen Victoria’s Rifles, captured at Calais in 1940 and destined to spend the next five-years in captivity.
For most part, his is a harrowing tale and not at all what I believed allied prisoners of war faced.
Adrian Vincent’s story of how ‘an average joe’, who only a few months back was an office-worker, is captured at Calais in the early days of the war and learns to endure four years of hardship, hunger, brutality and severe poverty. A telling portrayal of how those years changed his disposition: and not only him, but many of his fellow inmates. In surviving, they became deceitful, manipulative, suspicious of almost all and hardened to the plight of others.
There is humour (mostly pretty black), at times, along the way: with inmates contriving to get an easier ride and their attempts to outfox the guards.
The talk of how the Germans treated the Poles and the Russians is upsetting. The unnecessary brutality meted out by some of the guards also leaves a sour taste, but it is a good read and I found it easy to follow.
For most part, his is a harrowing tale and not at all what I believed allied prisoners of war faced.
Adrian Vincent’s story of how ‘an average joe’, who only a few months back was an office-worker, is captured at Calais in the early days of the war and learns to endure four years of hardship, hunger, brutality and severe poverty. A telling portrayal of how those years changed his disposition: and not only him, but many of his fellow inmates. In surviving, they became deceitful, manipulative, suspicious of almost all and hardened to the plight of others.
There is humour (mostly pretty black), at times, along the way: with inmates contriving to get an easier ride and their attempts to outfox the guards.
The talk of how the Germans treated the Poles and the Russians is upsetting. The unnecessary brutality meted out by some of the guards also leaves a sour taste, but it is a good read and I found it easy to follow.
August 15, 2018
I am always surprised this book is not better known , as its only the
second one I know ( Airey Neave is the first )
where the participant actually took part in the Defence of Calais in 1940 - and his subsequent long walk back to Germany and imprisonment -
you also get a good view of how hard prison life was, and certainly not what its made up to be like in the Movies or the Great Escape .
The Combat Descriptions are really gripping especially .
Recommended
second one I know ( Airey Neave is the first )
where the participant actually took part in the Defence of Calais in 1940 - and his subsequent long walk back to Germany and imprisonment -
you also get a good view of how hard prison life was, and certainly not what its made up to be like in the Movies or the Great Escape .
The Combat Descriptions are really gripping especially .
Recommended
July 5, 2024
WW2 is one of the most fascinating times in history to me. I love reading historical fiction about the period but decided to switch it up a bit this time and read a biography of a British Prisoner of War during that time.
This story follows Adrian Vincent- the author of the story- from the Siege of Calais in May 1940 to liberation five long years later. A real account of what life was like for him and fellow prisoners. How they were treated differently than other nationalities, how the ‘beat’ the system depending on who was the commander of the camps and how they survived the final days of war.
THE LONG ROAD HOME was an interesting and authentic look into the daily life in these POW and work camps during WW2 and a valuable piece of research for a current writing project I’m working on.
***Just a note- I’m a huge fan of maps- and it would have been a benefit to me to have one in the book outlining roughly the area Vincent traveled during the 5 years he was a prisoner of the Germans. From Fance to Germany. Poland back to Germany. Czechoslovakia to Germany once more and finally crossing the channel back to England.
This story follows Adrian Vincent- the author of the story- from the Siege of Calais in May 1940 to liberation five long years later. A real account of what life was like for him and fellow prisoners. How they were treated differently than other nationalities, how the ‘beat’ the system depending on who was the commander of the camps and how they survived the final days of war.
THE LONG ROAD HOME was an interesting and authentic look into the daily life in these POW and work camps during WW2 and a valuable piece of research for a current writing project I’m working on.
***Just a note- I’m a huge fan of maps- and it would have been a benefit to me to have one in the book outlining roughly the area Vincent traveled during the 5 years he was a prisoner of the Germans. From Fance to Germany. Poland back to Germany. Czechoslovakia to Germany once more and finally crossing the channel back to England.
June 30, 2020
Called up, trained and sent over to Calais in May 1940, the author saw very little action before he was captured spending the rest of World War II as a prisoner of war.
This is a very well written book, full of fascinating insights into his all too brief experience as an active soldier and subsequent life as a prisoner of war. I particularly liked how each chapter in the book concentrates on a different aspect of his experiences, and those of his fellow prisoners, whilst still managing to keep the story flowing within the timeline. There are some disturbing events recounted in the book but they are mentioned in such a matter of fact way that sometimes it took a little while to process and I stopped to think – did I really read what I thought I did! Overall I really enjoyed this book, very easy to read and I learnt some things I hadn’t known before.
Thanks to Sapere Books for a copy to review.
This is a very well written book, full of fascinating insights into his all too brief experience as an active soldier and subsequent life as a prisoner of war. I particularly liked how each chapter in the book concentrates on a different aspect of his experiences, and those of his fellow prisoners, whilst still managing to keep the story flowing within the timeline. There are some disturbing events recounted in the book but they are mentioned in such a matter of fact way that sometimes it took a little while to process and I stopped to think – did I really read what I thought I did! Overall I really enjoyed this book, very easy to read and I learnt some things I hadn’t known before.
Thanks to Sapere Books for a copy to review.
September 7, 2021
As a book I found it to be an insightful look into wartime Germany, and eventually Poland, of English POWs at the hands of the Germans. But the characters aren't sharply drawn and except for some of the German Komandants and guards we (the reader) can't either love or hate them, except for Guard Schmitt from Vienna. Even his Polish girlfriend is hard to imagine, except vaguely. But what did they talk about? Clearly he kept detailed notes during his incarceration, but it comes down to what he noted. Even more, the end just finishes as he is on the Lancaster on his way back to England, but then no Conclusion. What happened then to the German guards and his comrades except that post-war he infuriatingly went past Schmitt's coffee bar in Vienna and didn't go in. Why? What a shame as this is an excellent book that needs a finish.
October 4, 2022
A Real Slice of Life As WWII POW
This book is not a broad-brush examination of World War II, or even an expansive history of how Germans treated their prisoners. It is one man’s heart-felt recollection of all he experienced in a half-decade as captive of the Nazis in POW and forced labor camps.
As one captive’s personal story, it is profoundly meaningful. It won’t teach the reader the basics of the war in Europe, but it will provide a saga of personal misery and ultimate redemption.
Maybe if we all understood the costs, we’d try harder to find the means to peaceful living, rather than rattling sabers all the time.
This book is not a broad-brush examination of World War II, or even an expansive history of how Germans treated their prisoners. It is one man’s heart-felt recollection of all he experienced in a half-decade as captive of the Nazis in POW and forced labor camps.
As one captive’s personal story, it is profoundly meaningful. It won’t teach the reader the basics of the war in Europe, but it will provide a saga of personal misery and ultimate redemption.
Maybe if we all understood the costs, we’d try harder to find the means to peaceful living, rather than rattling sabers all the time.
June 25, 2020
The long road home is about a British prisoner of war who is captured in WW2. I love reading about the past and especially peoples real life experiences. I think it is so important to read, learn and show an interest in the history of the world and our countries.
As a book though it did lack a little something compared to others I have read previously. However I still would recommend this read if you’re into learning about world war 2, as it is not often that they are written from a British soilders perspective.
As a book though it did lack a little something compared to others I have read previously. However I still would recommend this read if you’re into learning about world war 2, as it is not often that they are written from a British soilders perspective.
December 21, 2020
This is a really interesting book by a man who spent virtually the whole of WWII as a prisoner-of-war. There were times as I read it that I felt like that old TV series from my youth, Hogan's Heroes, was not as far from the truth as I thought it was. But there were other passages that told a very different story. It seems that prisoners' lives were very much affected by who was in charge. A humane commandant in charge meant that the prisoners had some small freedoms and somewhat decent food. A cruel man in charge meant really bad conditions.
September 18, 2022
The reader is taken on a journey of one British solder during WWII as he was captured by Germans in German-occupied France and taken to a POW camp in Poland. Although somewhat slow at the beginning of the book, the pace of the read picked up rapidly as the author was captured and taken along with his fellow POW soldiers to Poland. It was fascinating to read how he as a POW coped with the hardship and struggles of being captured for the duration of the war. The book would seem to be a downer, but actually it was surprisingly entertaining in several chapters.
June 24, 2020
If you want to read a book with such a descriptive narrative you actually feel you are there , then this is the book for you!
The story grabbed me from the beginning and held till the end. So many different feelings were generated throughout the story.
One line that kept with me throughout - PRISONERS ARE NOT LOOKED AT AS A HUMAN BEING WHO HAD ONCE HAD A LIFE OF THEIR OWN. Wow!! That hit me deep and I’m sure when you read the book it will you too.
Can’t recommend this book enough.
The story grabbed me from the beginning and held till the end. So many different feelings were generated throughout the story.
One line that kept with me throughout - PRISONERS ARE NOT LOOKED AT AS A HUMAN BEING WHO HAD ONCE HAD A LIFE OF THEIR OWN. Wow!! That hit me deep and I’m sure when you read the book it will you too.
Can’t recommend this book enough.
September 6, 2020
Refreshing read on low life
Adrian Vincent's story of his and his compatriots captivity is an enjoyable page turner. I was delighted to have happened upon a pre - Dunkirk captivity ordeal. These prisoners had little hope of seeing the end of the second war as a British victory.The writer's rendition of their struggles for food and comfort is interesting and informative.I recommend it for any history buff.
Adrian Vincent's story of his and his compatriots captivity is an enjoyable page turner. I was delighted to have happened upon a pre - Dunkirk captivity ordeal. These prisoners had little hope of seeing the end of the second war as a British victory.The writer's rendition of their struggles for food and comfort is interesting and informative.I recommend it for any history buff.
April 23, 2021
Oh My God
Of all the books on World Wars I’ve read, this is the first war prisoner book. Hogans Heroes it wasn’t, but it had some very similar shenanigans the prisoners tried and got away with. What it also did portray was the suffering, loneliness, longing for freedom, the abject misery of working in a prison camp, along with the long march involved going to and escaping from, the camp. Excellently written, recommend it highly!
Of all the books on World Wars I’ve read, this is the first war prisoner book. Hogans Heroes it wasn’t, but it had some very similar shenanigans the prisoners tried and got away with. What it also did portray was the suffering, loneliness, longing for freedom, the abject misery of working in a prison camp, along with the long march involved going to and escaping from, the camp. Excellently written, recommend it highly!
September 17, 2020
This was surprisingly a very humorous account of the author’s many years as a POW. Adrian Vincent lightened the tone of what was probably in reality unimaginable suffering. However it was a very interesting and informative account of his captivity and that of the other nationalities that suffered even more than the British.
February 28, 2021
Interesting book, but these guys had it easy compared with the Russians and the POWs held by the Japanese. The author never fought and was a POW throughout the entire war. But, they spent most of their time whining about how rough it was. Then, they resented the Americans who set them free.
I'm glad I read it, but it wasn't exactly a WW2 classic.
I'm glad I read it, but it wasn't exactly a WW2 classic.
June 10, 2020
An outstanding account of a British soldiers experiences in Poland
as a prisoner of war of the germans. Some very unpleasant moments are relived at the beginning changing to pleasant at the end.
as a prisoner of war of the germans. Some very unpleasant moments are relived at the beginning changing to pleasant at the end.
November 2, 2020
First rate first hand account
I was never a POW but I did serve in a war and can understand a lot of what the author says about loneliness, fear, and isolation. WELL worth the time to read this one.
I was never a POW but I did serve in a war and can understand a lot of what the author says about loneliness, fear, and isolation. WELL worth the time to read this one.
March 1, 2021
Fascinating endurance
A well written description of a long POW stay in Germany and Poland. Some incredible stories that held your interest. the POW’s struggles for adequate food, shelter, and meaning were well covered.
A well written description of a long POW stay in Germany and Poland. Some incredible stories that held your interest. the POW’s struggles for adequate food, shelter, and meaning were well covered.
Read
March 7, 2021An excellent example of why people should find ways to avoid going to war.
It seems that the extent of cruelty that humans can inflict on one another hasn't changed all that much over the decades.
It seems that the extent of cruelty that humans can inflict on one another hasn't changed all that much over the decades.
May 14, 2021
Wow
What a story, well written, difficult at times to imagine five years a pow! It certainly held one's interest, keeping in mind the author was more than likely holding back some of the difficult days faced by the men. War is never nice!!
What a story, well written, difficult at times to imagine five years a pow! It certainly held one's interest, keeping in mind the author was more than likely holding back some of the difficult days faced by the men. War is never nice!!
June 11, 2021
Interesting story
While this is a very interesting story, I question how much is really true. It doesn't seem German soldiers would be so complacent as to let English war prisoners "run" the concentration camps as the author seemed to be describing.
While this is a very interesting story, I question how much is really true. It doesn't seem German soldiers would be so complacent as to let English war prisoners "run" the concentration camps as the author seemed to be describing.
Read
November 9, 2021A interesting account of five years of deprivation as a POW
A rather slow moving account of the trials and tribulations of an incarcerated British soldier and his sometimes companions reveals the true nature of LOW life at the hands of often sadistic overseers.
A rather slow moving account of the trials and tribulations of an incarcerated British soldier and his sometimes companions reveals the true nature of LOW life at the hands of often sadistic overseers.
February 21, 2022
A Good Read
Informative and factual. Revealing some of the terrible hardships prisoners of war suffered. I would recommended as a view of the author’s personal experience of spending the entire war as a prisoner.
Informative and factual. Revealing some of the terrible hardships prisoners of war suffered. I would recommended as a view of the author’s personal experience of spending the entire war as a prisoner.
March 30, 2022
Well written and worth the read!
I really enjoyed this book as it seemed to really capture the essence of the POW. It was thoughtful and exciting and really made you appreciate the struggles.
I really enjoyed this book as it seemed to really capture the essence of the POW. It was thoughtful and exciting and really made you appreciate the struggles.
July 22, 2022
A graphic account of survival takes the reader alongside the author experiencing terror, privations and human resilience. Sometimes touching, the read is lifted with his humour despite it being a tale of suffering. I couldn't put it down.
December 30, 2022
WW II German POW
Quite an eye opener .. I expected I was going to read about the worst possible experiences .. Instead
, much of the book read like the Hogans Heros TV comedy series. Still, A 5 year experience I CA do without.
Quite an eye opener .. I expected I was going to read about the worst possible experiences .. Instead
, much of the book read like the Hogans Heros TV comedy series. Still, A 5 year experience I CA do without.
February 16, 2023
Outstanding
A well written book portraying the horrors of imprisonment under a brutal regime. But not a feel sorry for me Chronicle. Showing the good and bad of human beings in all circumstances.
A well written book portraying the horrors of imprisonment under a brutal regime. But not a feel sorry for me Chronicle. Showing the good and bad of human beings in all circumstances.
September 8, 2023
Oh the English! Well written and funny.
Thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Vincent's book. Gave me a new perspective about the war. Don't have the seething hatred of the Germans(except the Nazis). A good antidote to all the holocaust books I've read.
Thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Vincent's book. Gave me a new perspective about the war. Don't have the seething hatred of the Germans(except the Nazis). A good antidote to all the holocaust books I've read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews