Under the Wire: The bestselling memoir of an American Spitfire pilot and legendary POW escaper

The bestselling WWII memoir of an American Spitfire pilot and legendary Prisoner of War escape artist. American Bill Ash went from Hobo to hero as he joined up to fly Spitfires for the RAF in 1940, before the United States entered the war. Shot down in 1942, the French Resistance helped him on the run until the Gestapo caught and tortured him, then sentenced him to death as a spy. He was saved by the Luftwaffe and put in legendary Great Escape camp Stalag Luft III, thanking them by escaping a dozen times, over the wire, under it or straight though it. He became one of the great 'escape artists' of the war, risking all for that elusive 'home run'. "Totally spellbinding. Bill Ash makes Steve McQueen look like Jim Carrey" - Alan Plater "A story of bravery, humor and never-say-die" - The Times, London "Under the Wire makes the reader want to stand up and cheer!" - Charles Rollings, Wire & Walls "One of the most inspirational stories I've ever read. A wonderful book about a wonderful man" - Robert Elms, BBC This is the first North American paperback, but Under the Wire is already a bestseller in the UK, topping Amazon UK's History, WWII and Biography charts. It has gained 33 reader reviews on Amazon UK, 32 five-star and one four star. Here are a few excerpts: ***** Enthralled! By R.B. Lee Being ex-forces, and in my 40's, the daring-do books about the SAS and the Gulf Wars have been high on my agenda. I happened to see 'Under the wire' and thought "I'd give it a go". My opinion - absolutely brilliant! I couldn't put it down. I'd love to meet Bill Ash, shake him by the hand, and know I've met one of the most inspirational characters that ever walked this earth. ***** Inspiring By Jim Sells It is Story that makes this book so amazing: all at once it manages to be incredibly moving, heart-warming, hilarious, disturbing and inspiring. To come out the other side of these experiences with the deep love for people that Bill Ash clearly has, just goes to show what an amazing human being he must be. ***** Exceptional By Timothy De Ferrars This book is exceptional. Ash is candid about his motives for fighting; he reveals hot-headed fury at those who had started the war. Never afraid to reveal his feelings, Ash is always witty and ironic. The book is thoroughly modern and easy to read, yet it evokes wartime life as vividly as if it were yesterday. ***** A blockbuster of Escapology By Joanne Isaak Breathtaking! Riveting, exciting, and spellbinding! Mr. Ash