NEW details about the life and death of an Oxford war hero are contained in the 50th anniversary edition of a classic biography.
In 1962, Michael Cumming chronicled the exploits of Alec Cranswick, who flew 107 Second World War missions – more than anyone else in RAF Bomber Command.
His book, Pathfinder Cranswick, has now been updated with the first full account of the pilot’s death – a result of shells from an enemy night fighter in 1944.
Squadron Leader Cranswick was born in Ship Street, Oxford, in 1919 and attended St Edward’s School.
He and his crew dropped flares on enemy targets to guide in heavy bombers.
For his new edition, the author also unearthed proof that Sqn Ldr Cranswick lived at the same Polstead Road house in North Oxford as First World War hero TE Lawrence – Lawrence of Arabia.
lPathfinder Cranswick is published by Fighting High. It costs £19.95.
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