The Cooler King: The True Story of William Ash - The Greatest Escaper of World War II

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Patrick Bishop

The Cooler King

The True Story of William Ash - The Greatest Escaper of World War II

Patrick Bishop

$24.99

Paperback

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English

Atlantic Books
25 May 2016

Biography: historical, political & military; History; Second World War; Air forces & warfare; Prisoners of war

The Cooler King tells the astonishing story of William Ash, an American flier brought up in Depression-hit Texas, who after being shot down in his Spitfire over France in early 1942 spent the rest of the war defying the Nazis by striving to escape from every prisoner of war camp in which he was incarcerated. It is a saga full of incident and high drama, including a breakout via a tunnel dug in the latrines of the Oflag XXIB prison camp in Poland - a great untold episode of the Second World War.

Alongside William Ash is a cast of fascinating characters, including Douglas Bader, Roger Bushell, who would go on to lead the Great Escape, and Paddy Barthropp, a dashing Battle of Britain pilot who despite his very different background became Ash's best friend and shared many of his adventures. By weaving together contemporary documents and interviews with Ash's comrades, Patrick Bishop vividly recreates the multiple escape attempts, while also examining the P.O.W. experience and analysing the passion that drove some prisoners to risk death in repeated bids for freedom.

The Cooler King is at once uplifting and inspirational, and stands as a testament to the durability of decent values and the invincible spirit of liberty.

By: Patrick Bishop
Imprint: Atlantic Books
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm, Spine: 23mm
Weight: 323g
ISBN: 9781782390251
ISBN 10: 1782390251
Publication Date: 25 May 2016
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for The Cooler King: The True Story of William Ash - The Greatest Escaper of World War II

Bishop's excellent account of Ash's wartime exploits makes fascinating and gripping reading. Sunday Times Bill Ash is a genuine Boy's Own hero of whom you have probably never heard. But because Patrick Bishop writes like a dream, you are unlikely ever to forget him. Literary Review The remarkable story of Flight Lieutenant William Ash is told for the first time in its full historical context... Enthralling Tribune Reads like an adventure story, with tales of extreme bravery and derring-do Military History Monthly