While several historical figures make appearances in this book, it is important to emphasize that The Long Flight Home is a story of fiction, and that I took creative liberties in writing this tale. For example, I invented the secret meeting in London, where Susan receives the orders for Source Columba. There would likely have been a strict protocol for communication between the National Pigeon Service, British Intelligence, and the Royal Air Force, and my research found no instances of pigeon breeders of the NPS attending meetings in the Cabinet War Rooms. Also, escape routes through German-occupied France were less organized in 1940. Therefore, I based Ollie’s escape route on a variation of the Comet line, a resistance network that operated later in the war. Also, Ollie and Boar find refuge with Madeleine and her truffle hog, Louis, in Airaines, a village in northern France. While truffle hunting is more prominent in southwestern France, I simply couldn’t resist including a truffle hog.

Many books, newspaper articles, and historical publications were important to me in my research. The Eagle Squadrons, Yanks in the RAF 1940–1942, by Vern Haugland, was especially helpful in understanding the motivation and journey for US volunteer pilots who joined the RAF. WW2 People’s War, an archive of World War II memories—written by the public and gathered by the BBC—was a tremendous resource for gaining insight into the fears and struggles of Londoners during the Blitz.

It was a labor of love to write this book. I will forever be inspired by the resiliency of the British people, who endured eight months of relentless bombing—from September 1940 to May 1941—which resulted in the deaths of 43,000 civilians. It is my hope that this story will honor the men, women, and children who perished in the Blitz.

This book would not have been possible without the help of many people. I’m eternally grateful to the following talented and hardworking individuals:

I am honored and humbled that John Scognamiglio selected this book for his imprint. I deeply appreciate John’s editorial wisdom and enthusiasm for bringing this story to life.

Many thanks to my wonderful agent, Mark Gottlieb, for his support and guidance in finding a home for this book. I’m lucky to have Mark in my corner.

My deep thanks to Akron Writers’ Group and my network of critique partners: Betty Woodlee, Becca Orchard, Ken Waters, Karl Ziellenbach, David Rais, Krissie Lynch, Dani Turos, John Stein, Sharon Jurist, Conrad Detweiler, Rocky Lewis, Suzanne Hodsden, Christine Wright, Shannon Waller, Carisa Taylor, Cheri Passell, Anna Bialik, Kat McMullen, Kristen Weber, and Valerie Brooks. And a special heartfelt thanks to Betty—without her intuition and encouragement, this book might not have been written.

Last, but not least, this story would not have been possible without the love and support of my wife, Laurie, and our children, Catherine, Philip, Lizzy, Lauren, and Rachel. Laurie, you are—and always will be—the love of my life.