University of Exeter grad publishes book on his great-grandfather’s heroic WW2 journey

A University of Exeter history graduate has published a book detailing his great-grandfather’s extraordinary journey through Nazi-occupied Europe, after surviving his plane being shot down in France during World War II.

Adam Hart, who graduated from the institution in 2021 with a BA in history and international relations, was inspired by family stories passed down about his great-grandfather, Frank Griffiths. Determined to share the untold story of his escape and the sacrifices of those who helped him, Hart retraced his relative’s journey across Europe and wrote his book, Operation Pimento: My Great-Grandfather’s Great Escape.

Frank Griffiths served in the Royal Air Force during the war. In August 1943, on a secret mission named “Operation Pimento”, Frank took flight with six others from Tempsford. Their plane was shot down near Annecy, France, by Italian forces, and tragically, Frank was the only survivor and sustained serious injuries.

Thanks to the bravery of civilians, Frank was hidden, treated, and helped on a long and dangerous journey back to safety. He travelled thousands of miles through France, Spain, Gibraltar, and Switzerland, helped along the way by selfless strangers who risked their lives to protect him.

While completing a postgraduate degree at Cardiff University in 2022, Adam received a bursary that aided his travelling across Europe to trace the exact route his great-grandfather took. During his research and travelling, he met the relatives of the people who sheltered and supported Frank.

“Meeting their descendants decades later brought that home to me, as they shook my hand, hugged me, and even burst into tears at how much it meant to them to be part of this piece of wartime history,” Adam said. “It was as much for these people that I felt I had to write the book.”

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This highly emotional experience showed Adam that his book, released on 5th June 2025, is not just honouring his great-grandfather’s memory, but also tributes the courage and generosity of those who helped him survive.

Featured image via University of Exeter