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The Longest Walk Home

The epic 2,000 mile escape of a WWII POW, in his own words

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The Longest Walk Home

By: Ray Bailey, David Wilkins
Narrated by: Steven France
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About this listen

 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.©2025 David Wilkins Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Historical Military Military & War World War II War
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Brilliant book one of the best I've listened to well fresd and an totally epic journey

So well read

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Well written. Well read. Truly epic. With plot twists intrigue and suspense … and all true and fact checked.

What a character Ray is. And what amazing work from David Wilkins to find and bring Ray’s story to life. Truly a five star story!

What an amazing story!!

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This man had incredible luck. It’s a riveting read. The men involved have been thoroughly researched. I’d live to know what happened to the family who took him in when he first escaped

Incredible journey

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Glad it come out to the public. If this story was left in the loft or cupboard, the world would not know this mans story fantastic work from editor.

The determination of the man

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A very detailed account of this amazing man who gave his life for his country. Every note written and word said is so important to people today in understanding what a man can do when circumstances challenge them in the most horrendous situation. To understand what life was like in this early days of W11. Thank you

An amazing real life story

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