History's Secret Heroes

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Helena Bonham Carter shines light on extraordinary stories from World War Two.

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History's Secret Heroes: 12. Flying High with Johnny Smythe

12. Flying High with Johnny Smythe

BBC Radio 4 - History's Secret Heroes, 12. Flying High with Johnny Smythe

Johnny Smythe, one of the first West African RAF airmen, navigates a terrifying flight.

In Sierra Leone, Johnny Smythe joins the Royal Air Force. As the navigator of a Stirling bomber, he faces a series of terrifying flights over Germany.

In Sierra Leone, navigator Johnny Smythe becomes one of the first West African airmen to join the Royal Air Force. His fellow crew consider him as a lucky charm, but as he faces a series of terrifying flights, will his good fortune run out? 

Helena Bonham Carter shines a light on extraordinary stories from World War Two. Join her for incredible tales of deception, acts of resistance and courage. 

A BBC Studios Audio production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.  

Producers: Suniti Somaiya and Elaina Boateng 
Edit Producer: Melvin Rickarby 
Assistant Producer: Lorna Reader 
Executive Producer: Paul Smith  
Written by Alex von Tunzelmann  
Commissioning editor for Radio 4: Rhian Roberts

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History's Secret Heroes

12. Flying High with Johnny Smythe

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